Event Planning Safety Considerations

An event safety plan is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It helps identify potential hazards, implement safety protocols, and provide guidance in emergencies, minimizing risks during the event.

A safety plan is always a good idea. It helps you to prevent emergencies and prepare to keep your attendees safe. Below are some criteria that UMB’s safety and security staff have identified to help you determine when to use a safety plan.

• Event is indoors and may have more than 100 attendees for more than one hour.
• Event is outdoors and may have more than 25 attendees for more than one hour.

UMB Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, and Police and Public Safety staff provide event safety plans for large event spaces at UMB and are available for safety and security consultations. Collaboration ensures all aspects of safety are covered.

• To request UMB police or security officers assistance with your event, please complete the Police and Public Safety Request Form.
• The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal (firemarshal@umaryland.edu) may perform code inspections for events.
  • For more information see Common Code Violations and Guidelines. 

• For assistance with unique electrical requirements for rental or purchase, please contact the Service Center (fmsc@umaryland.edu) or 410-706-7570.
• The Office of Emergency Management (emergencymanagement@umaryland.edu) is available for questions or concerns about event safety plans.

• The 15-min online Emergency Preparedness Training.
• Crowd Manager Training and Portable Fire Extinguisher Training. 
  • Trained crowd managers are required for all events with 50 or more attendees.
  • Crowd managers must be provided at a minimum ratio of 1 crowd manager per every 250 attendees.

The UMB Office of the Fire Marshal may be required to perform code inspections for:

• Chafing fuel and cooking
• Heaters
• Portable outdoor fireplaces
• Tents
  • Submit a Tent Request Form to the Office of the Fire Marshal at least 14 days prior to the planned erection of the tent.
• Food trucks
• Events layouts 

For more information see Common Code Violations and Guidelines. 

For approval and more information regarding requirements, contact the UMB Office of the Fire Marshal (firemarshal@umaryland.edu).