Running With the Crowd
WWYD Wednesday
You are celebrating the Fourth of July on the National Mall, surrounded by thousands of people. The fireworks begin—then everyone suddenly starts running.
WWYD: run with the crowd, stay put, move aside to assess, or do something else? How would you judge whether people are running from danger or toward it?
Fact Check Friday
Following the crowd is not always the safest choice. People may be fleeing a real threat, reacting to a noise, or following others without knowing why. Crowd surges can also cause injuries.
As conditions allow, assess what happened, where the danger is, nearby exits, and the people you are responsible for. Respond to the actual threat and avoid letting panic make the decision.
Preparedness is about making the best decision you can with the information available.