Making School Exhibitions Safely Successful

School exhibitions are a highlight of the academic year—students proudly present projects, parents engage with learning, and schools showcase their best work. But with increased footfall, unfamiliar visitors, and temporary setups, these events also bring added safety risks. A little planning can ensure exhibitions remain inspiring, organized, and safe for everyone.

1. Start with a Clear Security Plan

Every safe exhibition begins with a written, well-communicated security plan. At a minimum, schools should:

• Map and clearly mark evacuation routes and emergency exits. Ensure pathways are never blocked by stalls, chairs, or crowds.
• Designate a visible first-aid area staffed by trained personnel or a nurse, equipped with basic medical supplies.
• Establish communication protocols: who calls emergency services, who coordinates with local law enforcement, and how information is relayed to staff and parents.
• Set up security checkpoints at all main entry and exit points to control and monitor visitor flow.

Sharing this plan with staff, volunteers, and student leaders before the event is critical.

2. Strengthen Supervision and Access Control

Unrestricted movement and unsupervised areas increase risk. To maintain a safe environment:

• Issue visitor badges or stickers at entry to identify all non-staff adults on campus.
• Position staff or security personnel at key junctions—entrances, exits, staircases, and high-traffic corridors.
• Assign adult chaperones to student groups or zones to ensure children are never left unattended at stalls or in side rooms.
• Clearly define “staff-only” and “students-only” areas and ensure they are not accessible to the public.

This not only improves safety but also provides reassurance to parents.

3. Identify and Prevent Physical Hazards

Exhibition setups often involve temporary wiring, displays, and equipment. Before opening doors:

• Inspect all electrical connections: secure loose wires, avoid overloading sockets, and keep cables taped down or covered to prevent tripping.
• Check tables, models, and display stands to ensure they are stable and cannot easily topple if leaned on or bumped.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are available, accessible, and visible, especially near electrical-heavy zones or high-risk setups.
• Maintain well-lit spaces, particularly near entrances, staircases, and exit routes, to reduce accidents and improve visibility during any emergency.

A pre-event safety walkthrough with a checklist can catch most of these issues early.

4. Communicate Safety to Everyone

Safety works best when everyone understands their role:

• Brief students on basic safety rules: staying in assigned areas, not running, and informing an adult if they notice anything unsafe.
• Inform parents and visitors about entry procedures, exit routes, and key safety instructions through signage, announcements, or handouts.
• Encourage staff to report hazards immediately and empower them to pause an activity if they feel it’s unsafe.

School exhibitions should be memorable for creativity—not for safety incidents. Review your current exhibition practices, create or update a safety plan, and involve your staff and students in making every event secure, well-supervised, and hazard-free. Now is the best time to turn your next school exhibition into a model of safety and excellence.