Prom is an occasion that many young adults look forward to every year. While prom-goers are encouraged to have a fun evening, it is even more critical that they are safe. According to a 2016 survey from the American Automobile Association (AAA) Teen Survey, 31% of teenagers admit to having used drugs or alcohol on prom night. 

While preventing or predicting every safety situation on prom night is impossible, the more thoroughly your prom safety plan is, the better prepared you and your staff will be when faced with an incident. 

Establish Clear Safety Guidelines

Ensure students know safety guidelines, including rules regarding alcohol consumption, designated drivers, and appropriate behavior. Prom Safety Guidelines should be shared with students, parents/guardians, and staff a few weeks before prom. Below is an example of prom safety guidelines. 

Prom Safety Guidelines

• Zero Tolerance for Underage Drinking: Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Students found possessing or consuming alcohol will face immediate consequences, including removal from the event.
• Arrive and Leave in Groups: Students should arrive and leave prom in groups to enhance safety. Encourage students to look out for one another and avoid leaving anyone behind.
• Respectful Behavior: Prom is a formal event; students should always behave appropriately. Respect fellow attendees, venue staff, and property to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
• Safe Transportation: Students are to use designated drivers or arrange transportation with trusted adults.

Provide Transportation Options

With more than 70% of teens having consumed at least one alcoholic beverage by the time they reach age 18, according to the American Addiction Centers 2022 study, schools must address the issue of driving under the influence, particularly on prom night.

According to a 2022 AAA Teen Survey, 82% of surveyed teens say their friends are more likely to drive impaired than call an adult for help. To prevent drunk-driving incidents, encourage students to use designated drivers, arrange for a trusted guardian or transportation service to pick up, or, if your budget allows, you can also arrange transportation, like buses, to and from the event. 

Increase Security Presence

To increase security measures at the prom venue, schools can enlist the support of professional security personnel and ensure that all staff are trained to handle emergencies efficiently and effectively. While your venue may already have security measures in place, it’s crucial to implement additional precautions to ensure a safe prom environment for all attendees.

Before the event, arrange for trained security personnel to be present throughout the prom. Seek out individuals with experience in prom safety protocols and who have previously worked in settings similar to your chosen venue. Investing in experienced and well-prepared security personnel can significantly enhance the overall safety and security of the prom experience.

Implement Check-in/Check-out Procedures

Ensure the venue has security checkpoints for attendees as they enter the event. These checkpoints should be equipped with thorough procedures, including bag checks, to identify and confiscate prohibited items, preventing them from entering the prom premises.

Before the event, it’s essential to communicate clearly and effectively with attendees about the prohibited items to avoid any confusion or unintentional violations. By providing clear guidelines and instructions beforehand, attendees can ensure compliance with security protocols and contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the prom festivities.

Offer Emergency Support

Ensuring a safe prom entails hiring a proficient team comprising experienced medical personnel in addition to trained security staff. Medical personnel can be present at the event or establish a fully equipped first aid station to promptly address any medical emergencies that may arise during the prom.

Once all safety measures are outlined, effective communication of safety protocols to both staff members and student attendees becomes paramount. To prevent misunderstandings, disseminate these directives through various channels such as newsletters, school announcements, and school-wide emails, providing comprehensive details of each safety requirement.

Furthermore, it’s essential to underscore the consequences of failing to comply with these safety measures. By clearly articulating the penalties associated with non-compliance, individuals are more likely to take safety protocols seriously and adhere to them diligently throughout the event.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!