From Glitz to Guidelines: Prom Safety to Create a Safe Memory

For most teens in high school, prom is more than just a dance; it's the most important time of the year. Students meticulously coordinate their “promposal,” securing matching suits or dresses with their dates – oftentimes at a costly premium. They search for the perfect prom brooch and gather with friends for a pre-prom celebration. The effort invested in planning and savoring this momentous occasion ensures that it remains etched in students’ memories, whether as a cherished highlight or a cautionary tale.

Prom poses many dangers to students in big cities and rural communities. The reported number of underage drinking, deadly car accidents, and student violence and misconduct spike around prom season. More than 90% of teens believe their classmates will likely drink and drive on prom night. Meanwhile, only 29% of teens believe that prom night comes with a high degree of danger.

Thanks, in part, to the glorification of prom in movies and television, students have a warped perception of what prom is and should be. It’s up to business leaders and school officials to collaborate on ways to educate students on safety tips, secure quality chaperones, create Emergency Operation Plans (EOPs), and distribute these materials to all promgoers, making this night as safe as it is memorable.

"Developing clear and reliable prom safety tips that will be effective for years to come."

Below are some suggestions for making your school’s prom an incredible night:

1. Create Safety Initiatives to be Administered to Students, Teachers, and Staff: Establishing something like an agreed-upon EOP can significantly improve the overall safety of your prom. In this EOP, business leaders can discuss things like clearly marking emergency exit routes throughout the venue and communicating exit locations to all attendees, how to conduct thorough bag checks to prevent prohibited items from entering the prom, and communicating a list of prohibited items beforehand to avoid any confusion. You can relay these messages through newsletters, school announcements, and school-wide emails detailing each safety requirement to prevent misunderstandings.
2. Bolster Security and Medical Response: While your venue may be secure, taking extra precautions is essential. Before the event, arrange for trained security personnel to be on duty throughout the prom. Look for individuals with experience in prom safety and familiarity with similar settings. Additionally, hire experienced medical personnel to address any health concerns. If medical staff isn’t available, set up a comprehensive first aid station at the prom, equipped to handle any medical needs.
3. Have a Safety Committee on Scene: Form a dedicated committee of parents, staff, and experienced volunteers. Their responsibilities include coordinating safety measures during the event and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
4. Collect Feedback for Future Events: There’s always room for improvement, and developing clear and reliable prom safety tips that will be effective for years to come requires feedback from staff members and attendees about what you could do differently. This feedback allows you to evaluate safety measures and make essential improvements for future events. Consider distributing an anonymous survey to all attendees asking for input about safety procedures and how safe the attendees felt during the event.

Following these protocols can help make your prom one that is memorable. Keenan’s IMReady resource center has several interactive programs designed to educate business leaders on safety and security practices for large events. For further information and tailored guidance, see Keenan.com, Keenan’s IMReady resource center, and/or please contact your account team representative.