Piling your family into the car and heading out to a major event can be stressful.

But at the same time, attending major concerts, the theatre, sporting events and so on are a lot of fun.

These are the times you remember forever and that may end up become highlights in your children’s memories of their upbringing.

Taking the family out for a special occasion takes a bit of planning. Everyone needs to remain safe and well looked after. Everyone deserves to have the best time. And, in South Africa, we have some great events to always look forward to. Our rugby season starts early in the year and only ends in August, which means enjoying live matches is something most South Africans relish. Introducing your kids to this type of event will be most exciting for them. Even taking your grandparents to a large event this would be such a treat for them.

We also have the privilege of enjoying some international artists who play concerts in our major cities. There have been some heavy hitters visiting the country recently. Just about every South African under the age of 30 is looking forward to #bieberfever that’s about to take over in May of this year. Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour will be in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and the stadiums can expect their crowds to be made up of young teenagers and their chaperones. At events such as this, you need to ensure that safety is top of mind.

Here’s how to stay safe at major events.

There’s nothing wrong with holding on

Keep everyone close and safe. Hold hands with your kids, interlock your arms with your partner, parent or grandparent. If you have little toddlers with you, carry them or put them on your shoulders and hold on tight. Unfortunately, when there are so many people in one place you can expect some pushing and shoving. This is not intentional or done with malice but it can annoying and lead to injuries. The smallest members of your family must remain protected so keep them very close.

Similarly, if you’re accompanying your elderly grandparents or parents then you need to watch out for them too. They might be frail or easily knocked over, if this is the case then consider making use of a wheelchair so in order to move more easily. This means they’ll have access via disabled entrances and exits. While venues that can house thousands of people often have turnstiles and security measures in place at the entrances and exits, the disabled areas are often free of these and simply guarded by the security staff. Having your elderly family members gain access this way is smart and will assist them with remaining safe and sound.

Specific safety measures must be taken for children

Children tend to not realise how important it is to remain close to the adult accompanying them. Therefore, you need to insist that they listen closely to your rules and take additional measures to protect them. Make sure you dress your kids in brightly coloured clothing, take a photo of them so you can remember what they’re wearing, and be able to show security this picture should they become lost. With younger kids, write your telephone number on their hand or arm in permanent marker. If your kid is older, arm them with a cellphone which is charged and can be used to call you if necessary.

Also, teach your kids to respect the space they’re in and the people around them. They mustn’t jump over the barriers or turnstiles. Don’t let them bring in their skateboards or wear rollerblades. Make sure they know not to push through the crowds or they might hurt someone and they must respect the directions the security officers insist upon.

Pay attention to your surroundings

The parking lot is a vulnerable place for you and your family. Make sure you know exactly where you’ve parked, note the landmarks around, and check for security guards securing the area. If any one of your family members get lost, don’t send them to the parking lot to find the car. Rather have a meeting point that is a well lit and easily seen area.

Make sure everyone is aware of the exits so you know how to get out of the venue if necessary, and have everyone agree on one exit that they’ll move to if it’s necessary to leave. Perhaps make your meeting point a spot near the exit you choose to use.

Keeping the family safe while out and about is important. Managing your group in a crowd requires some careful planning, lots of communication and many different ways to mitigate safety risks.

At the Event

• Parking Lot – Remind your kids of what to do if they get lost. Make sure they know not to return to the car in the parking lot, as children are more vulnerable in the parking lot.

• Landmarks – Point out security stations where children can go if they get lost. If there are none, point out a landmark they can go to if they get lost where they can meet you.

• Stay Close – Instruct your kids to stay close to you at all times. Older, more mature kids may be able to handle a little more leeway, but young kids will need to stay close and hold your hands. Kids get lost when they get distracted and wander away, so reiterate to them the importance of staying by you. If they see something they want to check out, tell them to ask you if the family can go there together.