The following harm reduction guide is an open source document contributed to us by a remarkable community of DIY/lived experience to credentialed professionals in architecture, fire rescue and prevention, disability justice, and many other fields. Please visit our friends at https://D-I-Y.fyi for more information. ︎
ACTIONS TO TAKE
FOR THE PUBLIC
Offer support to
local venues
if you are able to
share skills and expertise in building safety.
share skills and expertise in building safety.
Clarify up front your credentials, your availability, any personal or professional
boundaries, and compensation expectations (pro bono, trade/barter, or cash).
Don’t be shy to expect fair compensation for your efforts.
Your hard work and wisdom are worth it.
boundaries, and compensation expectations (pro bono, trade/barter, or cash).
Don’t be shy to expect fair compensation for your efforts.
Your hard work and wisdom are worth it.
Ask venues how
you can help
in other ways
organize and attend work parties
Fundraise or get materials for improvements.
organize and attend work parties
Fundraise or get materials for improvements.
SURVEY THE SPACE AND
When you first get to a place that you haven't been before,
consider possible dangers such as fire, earthquake, flood, active shooter, etc.
Figure out where exits are and make quick emergency plans.
Make a plan
When you first get to a place that you haven't been before,
consider possible dangers such as fire, earthquake, flood, active shooter, etc.
Figure out where exits are and make quick emergency plans.
Be aware of people with
mobility concerns
when you attend public events.This includes those with disabilities, children, elders, people who are intoxicated.
It is standard emergency-protocol to keep oneself safe first when an emergency is actually taking place,
but in non-emergencies we can all be more aware of each other’s needs when we are together.
It is standard emergency-protocol to keep oneself safe first when an emergency is actually taking place,
but in non-emergencies we can all be more aware of each other’s needs when we are together.
Speak up
We have begun to establish a culture
where it is considered helpful and welcome to demand safer spaces
that are free of behavioral threats, such as gender-based and sexual harassment, abuse,
assault, misogyny, homophobia, transmisogyny, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, ableism, fatphobia,
ageism, classism, and bigotry in all its forms.
We must also include literal building and life safety
in our demands to keep our spaces safer.
It is integral to disability justice, as well as overall community safety.
If you witness questionable conditions, investigate - you deserve to understand.
If you know something is dangerous, call it out immediately and demand change
so the venue can become a safer space for your whole community.