Safety always comes first in Disney World. We have to make sure nothing goes wrong in the parks, or on Disney property. We have sheriffs and Disney security staff on duty all over the park.
My work location is in Disney Springs, and on every corner, there would at least be two or more sheriffs together, never alone. There is a total of sixteen exits at Disney Spring. With sixteen possible exits, there are Sheriffs located at each of the exits and around the property.
We always make sure to keep guests safe, but we are also trained to speak up when we see something. We are given a number to call in the back of our ID card in case of an emergency. For example, if we see a suspicious bag or package left unattended we have to call security to let them know. Then we have to keep a perimeter to keep guest away from it until security clears the threat.
In the article “Storms of Summer” by Barbara A. Higgins shows what steps or procedure are taken in an emergency situation. My work location is at Disney Quest, located in Disney Spring. We have to mention safety procedures in each of the attractions before guests get on any of the attractions. If anything happens during the ride, it would have to be shut down. Our training prepares us for emergency situations. The first thing to do is call 911 or security. Then tell them our name, the location, the threat, and describe the guest involved.
Similar to Walt Disney World Resort 5 phases for hurricane preparedness in the article “Storms of Summer,” here at Disney Spring we have a plan A, plan B and plan C. Plan A is known as accelerated evacuation, which means to get everyone out of the location using the best route. Plan B is evacuating guest using the emergency exit, or “backstage.” Lastly, there is plan C. If a natural disaster were to occur guest would come into Disney Quest until the disaster is over.
Knowing the safety procedures is important. You never know when an emergency situation will occur, and the last thing you want is panic and chaos. The emergency training will help keep us calm because we would know what to do. But not only that, guests would trust us cast members with our instructions during an emergency situation.
In my opinion, working in attractions is one of the roles that require the most knowledge about safety procedure. We have to learn a lot. I hope any of us have to go through something crazy or scary while we are at work and remember “Safe begins with me”.
I totally agree with you.