If vendors are selling crafts and food at your festival, there are some things to consider for improving crowd safety.

• Make sure walkways are clear of any trip and fall hazards, including:
  • Electric cords
  • Display booth supports
  • Trash
• Some people attending may need wheelchair access to the vendor areas
• To comply with the A.D.A. make sure no booths or other items are set up in the way of the wheelchair access

If there are a large number of children attending:

• Make sure areas that attract children are spread out to avoid overcrowding certain areas, leading to accidents.
  • For example, areas, where games and activities are located should be far enough away from areas where arts and crafts are being sold to avoid possible accidents.

Contracts:

• Food and beverage vendors should be required to provide general liability certificates of insurance, and the school should be named an additional insured or a certificate holder.
• It is a good idea to require a signed contract between the school and the vendors explaining the terms of the agreement and clearly state:
  • What the vendor will be responsible for
  • What the school is required to handle

Facilities & grounds:

• If vendors aprovidetheir own cords to connect to the electric supply, they should be inspected to mensurethe ground fault connector (the 3rd prong) has not been altered.
• Before the event begins, food cooking operations should be inspected to ensure safety from fire, grease spills, electrical accidents, trips, falls, and wind hazards.
• All tents, awnings, and canopies used during the festival should be secured to prevent hazards caused by the wind.
• Cut grass before an event since longer grass may create unstable footing, especially when wet from spills and rain.
• If the school property has areas where the ground has holes or steep drop-offs, these hazardous areas should be cordoned off with caution tape and stakes to keep people from walking in those hazard areas.

Security:

It is a good idea to plan to secure any money and valuables before, during, and after school events.

• Designate individuals to be responsible for money and security in the various areas of the event.
• Local police often provide a presence at events simply by offering free admissions and/or food and beverages.