Evacuation Planning Guide for Stadiums

• Develop a plan to inform the patrons of the reason for the sheltering in place and
advise them of the potential hazards should they chose to evacuate.
• Establish roles and responsibilities for the Evacuation Team to effect sheltering in
place.
• Consider using a capacity model to determine when, where, and how long patrons
can be sheltered inside the stadium.
• Identify sheltering in place supplies i.e., food, water, blankets, medical supplies,
portable sanitation facilities, communication devices, security, etc.
• Ensure that air monitoring teams and equipment are on site and functioning to
address possible chemical or other contaminant situations.
3.1.5 Relocation
Relocation may occur at a stadium in response to a localized incident that does not
require a mass evacuation. During a relocation occurrence, stadium spectators and
participants will be moved from the area where a localized incident occurred to another
area of the stadium or stadium property. The relocation may be temporary or permanent
depending on the incident and the timeframe of the event. Relocations do not usually
result in termination of the event occurring at the stadium. Relocation areas will be
designated by stadium staff, and the public will be directed to these locations when the
situation warrants. The following questions for Consideration and Supporting Actions
statements are useful in performing a relocation.
Considerations
• What is the reason for relocating (i.e., fire, structural failure, equipment failure,
crowd control, etc.)?
• What criteria are used to identify relocation/staging areas? Outside of stadium,
stands, playing field?
• What is the effect of the incident on the event? What is the impact of the
relocation activity on the event?
• How effective are the relocation/staging areas for providing protection?
• How many people can be relocated at each designated reloaction/staging area?
• Who will make the decision to relocate? Who will implement the decision and
how?
• What steps need to take place before a relocation event occurs? What areas
should be designated as safe for relocation? Outside of stadium, in the stands, on
the field?
• How will it be determined if there are harmful contaminants in the air?
• How long can persons remain safely in the relocation/staging area?
• By whom and how will the “All Clear” be communicated?
Evacuation Planning Guide for Stadiums 15