This past Saturday, the outdoor stage at the Indiana State Fair collapsed — killing five and injuring ~50 more.

The stage was set for Sugarland to perform while severe weather passed through Indianapolis, including strong winds that subsequently resulted in a catastrophic failure of the stage and rigging equipment.

The author Charles Perrow coined the term "normal accidents" as the unexpected interaction of multiple failures within complex systems. Simply put: the interaction between severe weather and complex lighting and sound equipment produced an unexpected and disastrous event. The point: we live in a complex world and accidents are, for the most part, inescapable. What's not predetermined is how we prepare, how we safeguard, and how we respond.

While this incident is under official investigation, there are several important lessons learned that relate to emergency management and preparedness:

• No one can afford to become complacent when it comes to planning. Not to imply this was the case at the Fair, but it should strengthen our resolve to ensure we're prepared for the worst. Planning, practicing, and sharing information is our best approach.
  
  
• Your preparedness matters! Even before police and official emergency responders hit the scene, civilian peers and bystanders — doctors, nurses, those with CPR and related training — were the first to provide immediate assistance and action. These folks should be applauded for their bravery and selflessness.

Some thoughts came to mind as I've watched and read about the events unfolding:

• Would I have been aware of the weather conditions prior to the collapse?
• Would I have evacuated prior to any official announcement?
• Would I have been aware of how to go? Where to go? What about with no instructions?
• Would I have gone back to assist?
• Do I have any skills that could've helped?
• Would I really leave injured people behind? Would I attempt to move someone, or help them on-site?
• Would I have tried to ascertain additional information about the weather? 
• How would I determine my priorities?

The best thing we can do...the best way we can honor those lost and injured and those who put themselves in harms to way help others is to spend a few minutes thinking about "what if?".

Explore the emergency management section of this site and formulate a readiness plan — for your office, your home, if you're out in your car, or you're out at a public event. Your preparedness matters.