Fair week emergency and severe weather plan

[Fair name] Fair Week Emergency and Severe Weather Plan

This plan covers the fair held [Fair dates]. Review it with your county emergency manager, fire department and law enforcement before the fair. Every board member, gate worker and building superintendent should know where to find it.

Rules on this topic differ by state. Check your state's law before you use this template.

1. Who is in charge

• Emergency lead: [Emergency lead name and phone]. Makes the call to pause, shelter or clear the grounds.
• Backup lead: [Backup lead name and phone]. Takes over if the emergency lead can't be reached.
• Command post: [Command post location]. Leads, security and first aid report here during an emergency.
• Radio channel: [Radio channel]. Keep it clear for emergency traffic once a plan is in motion.
• When fire, EMS or law enforcement arrive, they direct the response. The Fair supports them.

2. Severe weather

1. Before gates open each day, the emergency lead checks the forecast and names who will watch weather alerts all day.
2. Watch issued for the area: tell building superintendents, the grandstand, the carnival and livestock barns. Get ready to act.
3. Lightning nearby: stop grandstand events and rides, clear open areas and send people to [Shelter buildings] or their vehicles.
4. Warning issued for the fairgrounds: announce shelter on every speaker, send people to [Shelter buildings], and close the gates to new arrivals.
5. After the storm, the emergency lead and the fire department check the grounds before anything reopens.

3. Someone is hurt or sick

1. Call 911 for anything serious. Then radio the command post with the exact location.
2. Send a staff member to meet the ambulance at the nearest gate and walk it in.
3. First aid is at [First aid location]. Only trained people give care.
4. Write down what happened, who helped and who was called, the same day.

4. Lost child

1. Take a description: age, clothing, where last seen. Radio it to all staff and gates.
2. Gate workers watch exits. Staff check rides, barns, restrooms and the midway.
3. Found children go to [Meeting point] with two adults, never one.
4. If the child isn't found quickly, call law enforcement.

5. Clearing the grounds

If the grounds must be cleared, announce it on every speaker and radio. Staff walk people to the nearest exit, keep fire lanes open and check buildings and barns before reporting them clear to the command post. Livestock exhibitors follow the barn superintendent's plan for animals.

Emergency contacts

Before opening day

• Plan shared with county emergency management, fire and law enforcement
• Shelter buildings unlocked during fair hours
• Speakers and radios tested
• Gate workers and superintendents briefed
• First aid staffed for all open hours

A starting draft, not legal advice. Have your attorney or agency review before use.