Stampedes often occur when people are scared and rush towards exits to avoid some danger.
Maybe it’s a gunshot, explosion or just a game-winning goal.
In these circumstances, people get trampled, seriously hurt or even die when they fall or get pushed over.
Many are injured as people push and shove at the exit.
If you get caught in a crush of people make sure that you use the following tips to survive a human stampede in case one occurs.
#1: Listen To Your Gut
If you are in a crowd and are concerned about their behavior, make sure you look for a safe place to sit or stand.
It might be difficult to leave the building but remember that your life is more important. Huge crowds also pose a risk to your safety in other ways.
#2: Look For Alternative Exits
Any concert hall, religious center or football field has more than one exit, but people tend to rush in the same direction.
Look for an alternate exit, even if it seems further away.
Although the nearest exit seems like the best idea, many people are trying to get out at once poses a greater safety risk.
#3: Keep The Crowds Pace
If you are in the middle of a crowd and they start moving, keep their pace. T
Those who slow down are likely to get pushed and trampled. Move as fast as everyone, but remember to remain calm.
You will make better decisions and notice more things if you are not panicked.
#4: Stay Upright With Your Hands Up
Remain upright and keep your hands up. Do not for any reason bend to pick up a dropped item as that is very dangerous.
Keep your hands up to protect your torso area from injury. It is also an excellent position to have your hands since you can strike out better if attacked.
Taking a self-defense class comes in handy in these situations as you will have better balance as people push and shove you from different directions.
#5: Find A Stable Structure
Find a structure in the room that requires the crowd to part and stand next to it.
Most large halls or religious centers have pillars that you can use for this purpose.
That will protect you from getting carried by the crowd to the one exit where most of the shoving occurs.
#6: Conserve Energy
Make sure that you move with the crowd. Do not try to push against it, as that will waste your energy and tire you out.
Avoid shouting or screaming as that uses up energy, which means you might slow down and get pushed over.