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Safety Guidelines

Comprehensive safety protocols to ensure peaceful and secure demonstrations

Safety is Our Priority

Every peaceful demonstration should prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all participants. These guidelines help ensure events remain safe, legal, and effective.

Remember: If any situation becomes unsafe or potentially violent, leave immediately and contact emergency services if necessary.

Pre-Event Planning
Safety preparations before the demonstration

Risk Assessment

  • • Evaluate venue safety and accessibility
  • • Identify potential hazards (traffic, construction, etc.)
  • • Check weather forecasts and seasonal conditions
  • • Assess crowd capacity and flow patterns
  • • Plan multiple exit routes

Communication Plan

  • • Establish organizer contact network
  • • Set up emergency communication channels
  • • Share safety guidelines with participants
  • • Coordinate with local authorities
  • • Prepare public announcements

Resource Preparation

  • • First aid supplies and trained personnel
  • • Water and basic refreshments
  • • Portable toilet facilities if needed
  • • Signage and barriers for crowd control
  • • Emergency contact cards
Personal Safety
Individual safety considerations for participants

What to Bring

  • • Valid photo identification
  • • Emergency contact information
  • • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
  • • Water bottle and light snacks
  • • Charged mobile phone
  • • Any necessary medications

What to Avoid

  • • Weapons or items that could be weapons
  • • Alcohol or illegal substances
  • • Provocative or inflammatory materials
  • • Valuable items that could be lost or stolen
  • • Face coverings that obscure identity
During the Event
Safety protocols while participating

Stay Peaceful

  • • Remain calm and non-confrontational
  • • Follow organizer instructions
  • • Respect police directions for safety
  • • Report any aggressive behavior to organizers
  • • Leave if situations become unsafe

Group Safety

  • • Stay with your group when possible
  • • Keep children close and supervised
  • • Help elderly or disabled participants
  • • Share water and look out for heat exhaustion
  • • Maintain situational awareness

Emergency Response

  • • Know the location of first aid stations
  • • Identify emergency exit routes
  • • Don't approach injured persons unless trained
  • • Call 999/112 for serious emergencies
  • • Follow evacuation procedures if announced
Weather Considerations
Staying safe in various weather conditions

Hot Weather

  • • Wear light-colored, loose clothing
  • • Stay hydrated - drink water regularly
  • • Seek shade when possible
  • • Watch for signs of heat exhaustion
  • • Apply sunscreen and wear hats

Cold/Wet Weather

  • • Dress in layers and waterproof clothing
  • • Keep extremities warm and dry
  • • Be aware of slippery surfaces
  • • Have shelter options available
  • • Watch for signs of hypothermia

Severe Weather

  • • Monitor weather warnings closely
  • • Have indoor backup venues ready
  • • Consider postponing if conditions are dangerous
  • • Ensure emergency services can access area
  • • Communicate changes to all participants
Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergency

  1. 1. Ensure scene safety
  2. 2. Call 999/112 for ambulance
  3. 3. Provide first aid if trained
  4. 4. Clear space around victim
  5. 5. Meet emergency services

Violence/Threats

  1. 1. Do not engage - move away
  2. 2. Alert organizers immediately
  3. 3. Call Gardaí if necessary (999)
  4. 4. Document incidents safely
  5. 5. Assist with peaceful de-escalation

Evacuation

  1. 1. Follow organizer instructions
  2. 2. Move calmly to exit routes
  3. 3. Help those who need assistance
  4. 4. Go to designated meeting point
  5. 5. Report missing persons

Emergency Services: 999 or 112 | Gardaí Non-Emergency: 1890 313 808

For Event Marshals
Special responsibilities for trained event marshals

Responsibilities

  • • Maintain clear communication with organizers
  • • Monitor crowd behavior and safety
  • • Assist with crowd flow and spacing
  • • Help participants who need assistance
  • • Report incidents immediately
  • • Coordinate with emergency services

Training Requirements

  • • Basic first aid certification preferred
  • • Knowledge of emergency procedures
  • • Understanding of legal rights and limits
  • • De-escalation techniques
  • • Clear identification (marshal badge/vest)
  • • Direct communication with event organizers