On this day one year ago, our city experienced tragic fear and loss. Despite the terror that made us #VegasStrong, this is still an entertainment city and the shows must go on. Unfortunately, there are still risks to every event, but as we heal from the loss felt in our city, we are learning how to better ensure event safety for everyone—including brand ambassadors.

As a brand ambassador, you are probably used to relying on the safety plan that the event itself has. Being familiar with that plan is important, but we suggest creating one for your group as well. Here is what you need to know:

Hazards

As your team creates a safety plan, keep in mind whatever could go wrong—bad weather, fire, medical emergency, power outages, and unfortunately, terrorism. As you go through the hazards, create a realistic emergency plan for each one. A thorough, quickly executed plan could save lives.

Surroundings

Your safety plan should include an overview of the event location—including exits and locations of security and medical teams. If a guest has a medical emergency, you should know where to take them. Similarly, if you suspect a dangerous situation, it would benefit you to know where to find security guards. Being familiar with the event layout can increase the ability to move quickly and with purpose.

Communication

Your team should always be communicating, but during an emergency, communication is vital—though sometimes it’s impossible. If cell towers went down and there was a power outage, how would you contact the other people in your group? Would you know where to meet each other? Before the event starts, create a buddy system plan and designate someone to be the communication head. Buddy systems can plan to meet up with the communication head at a planned location (another important reason to know the event layout). A solid safety method will also include backup plans; it may be wise to prepare a couple of options for each hazard.

Personal safety should always be a priority, and as a team that responsibility increases. We know that an emergency plan cannot prevent a tragedy, but we hope that a safety plan can help protect others as well as increase risk awareness.