5 things to lock down before your next NYC event
Most event problems we get called about could have been settled a week earlier, in one walk through the venue and one conversation. Here are the five things we lock down before every event we staff.
1. Know every way in and out
Walk the venue with your security lead before the day. Mark every guest entrance, staff door, loading dock and fire exit. Decide which doors guests use, which are staff only, and which stay closed and alarmed. Fire exits must stay clear and unlocked from the inside. Never chain or block them, even for a private event.
2. Settle the guest list and credentials
Decide who checks names, what ID you accept, and how plus ones, press and VIPs are handled. Pick one wristband or badge for staff and vendors so officers can tell at a glance who belongs where. Print a backup copy of the list for the door in case Wi-Fi or the check-in app fails.
3. Confirm fire safety staffing early
Many NYC venues need FDNY-certified fire safety staff for an event, and a fire watch whenever a sprinkler or alarm system is out of service. Ask the venue what its permit requires and book certified staff weeks ahead, not days. It is one of the most common last minute scrambles we see.
4. Share the run of show with security
Give your security lead the full schedule: doors, arrivals, speeches, performer moves, the busiest bar hour and the end of night. Officers who know the plan can be in position before the crowd moves, instead of reacting after it does.
5. Decide who makes the call
Name one person on site with the authority to pause the event, call 911 or change the plan. Agree on one radio channel or group text, a simple code word, and a meeting point outside if you have to evacuate. When something goes wrong, nobody should be asking who is in charge.
Where we come in
We walk the venue with you, build the staffing plan and brief every officer before doors open. If you have an event coming up, send us the date and venue and we will tell you what we would lock down first.
This article is general information, not legal or fire code advice. Requirements change, so confirm the details for your site with the agency named or with us before you rely on them.