Attending the 2016 RNC? Be Prepared to Avoid Personal Injury

Most of the time in Cleveland, it’s easy to rush out of the house, hop in the car, snag a great parking space and get where you’re going. Don’t count on it being so easy during the Republican National Convention (RNC)!

City officials have recommended that people who work within a certain zone should stay home to avoid the crowds. The city also increased its insurance coverage to cover injury lawsuits that might result from hosting the July convention. They’ve also increased resources for security and law enforcement, such as riot gear and crowd control tools.  Even the Ohio legislature has added to the fray: This week, legislators approved extended hours for bars. Clearly, officials are hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst. You should, too.

Should you even go downtown during this time? Unless you are attending, volunteering, protesting, or required to work, avoiding downtown Cleveland is probably your best bet. However, for you adventurous types who are going to show support (or not) and for those of you who value your employment, you may find yourself in the heart of it all–and you should be prepared.

Here is a checklist to prepare you for your trip to the RNC.

Before you leave your home:

• Wear bright clothing to be visible.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. No flip-flops, sandals or heels.
• Remove valuables from your car and leave them at home.Completely charge cell phones.
• Take only what you absolutely need: Keys, phone, cash/card.
• Exchange phone numbers with everyone in the group. Put each number in your phone. Set up a group text.
• Take an individual, clear cell phone photo of everyone in your group in exactly what they will be wearing for the outing.

When you arrive downtown:

• Park in a well-lit area or a secure, guarded parking lot.
• Go immediately to your emergency meeting spot with everyone in the group; Take a picture of the spot.
• If you are entering a building, note emergency exits.
• Note where water stations, first aid stations are located.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for unusual activity.

Leaving downtown:

• If the group has separated, go to your agreed meeting spot.
• Leave as a group. Do not expect part of your group to catch up.
• Use caution when crossing streets or near any vehicles. Expect that they do not see you. Stay aware of the vehicles around you.
• Do not enter parking lots or parking garages alone.
• Leave before main events have concluded. Fewer crowds may mean fewer mishaps.
• If you are in the middle of a departing crowd, step with your group to the side for a few minutes to let the crowd pass.

For more information on how to stay safe safe during the Republican National Convention, download the “Don’t Get Trumpled!” guide and learn:

• Warning signs of dangerous crowds
• What to do if a crowd erupts
• Signs of dangerous crowd density
• When to “lawyer up” –Who’s responsible for a variety of potential injuries

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you know someone attending the Republican National Convention, please share these safety tips with him or her.

If anyone is harmed in an accident during the RNC, please contact us right away. With an impressive history of many successful outcomes against hotels, restaurants, bars, transportation organizations and individuals, our firm specializes in helping  victims. If someone gets “Trumpled,” you’ll want someone on your side to make it right again.