Free Online Safety Planning Classes for Event Producers

Arts and cultural organizations are essential community anchors—cultivating the relationships, infrastructure, and specialized expertise that make communities more vibrant and prepared. But often that knowledge lives in the brains and bodies of its members, with many organizations lacking formal emergency plans despite their critical community role.

These free training courses help transform your existing capabilities into documented preparedness assets. From incident command basics to specialized venue security, each program builds skills that strengthen daily operations while positioning your organization to support your community when it matters most.

Performing Arts Readiness

The Performing Arts Readiness project provides specialized emergency preparedness training designed specifically for arts and cultural organizations. PAR recognizes that generic emergency plans often fail in arts environments with their unique challenges including irreplaceable collections, complex technical systems, diverse stakeholders, and revenue vulnerabilities.

Live webinars are scheduled regularly throughout the year, with recordings of previous webinars typically available. All PAR training is free and open to arts professionals nationwide.

View all PAR Webinars

Fire Safety and Preparedness for Performing Arts Organizations

Covers NFPA standards, Life Safety Code, Cultural Resource Protection codes, and fire prevention systems specific to performance venues. Entertainment facilities face elevated fire risks from pyrotechnics, lighting, costumes, and complex egress patterns. Specialized fire safety knowledge prevents devastating losses and ensures compliance with venue-specific codes. 1.5 hours

Event Preparedness: Active Shooters and Hostile Activity at Your Venues

Covers threat recognition, response protocols, staff training requirements, and preparation for various attack methodologies specific to entertainment venues. Active threat incidents at cultural venues create unique challenges due to crowd dynamics and complex layouts. Training helps staff recognize threats early and protect patrons effectively. 1.5 hours

Introduction to Emergency Preparedness for Performing Arts Organizations

Addresses external risks, internal vulnerabilities, natural and human-caused crises specific to performing arts organizations. Generic emergency plans fail in arts environments. This specialized training covers unique challenges like irreplaceable collections, complex technical systems, diverse stakeholders, and revenue vulnerabilities that threaten organizational sustainability during crises. 1.5 hours

Safety and Security for Performing Arts

Provides threat assessment, prevention strategies, incident response protocols, and security planning for events of all sizes. Modern audiences expect comprehensive security while maintaining welcoming atmospheres essential to cultural experiences. Training offers practical tools to identify vulnerabilities and implement proportionate security measures for diverse event types. 1.5 hours

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers comprehensive emergency management training through its Independent Study (IS) program. These courses provide the foundational knowledge and frameworks used by professional emergency managers and are essential for arts organizations to integrate effectively with community emergency response systems.

All FEMA courses require a free Student Identification (SID) number. Courses are self-paced and available 24/7. Upon completion, you’ll receive an electronic certificate via email.

View FEMA Online Classes

Introduction to Incident Command System (FEMA IS-100.C)

Provides a foundation for emergency coordination, establishing the common language, structures, and principles used by all responders. Event producers need this framework to coordinate effectively with first responders during crises and understand professional emergency management operations that support community resilience. 3 hours

Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions (FEMA IS-2200)

Covers Emergency Operations Center design, function, and operations as part of multi-agency coordination systems. Large venues may serve as alternate EOCs or coordination points during community emergencies. This training helps facility managers understand EOC operations and their potential role in community-wide emergency coordination and resource management. 3 hours

Basic ICS for Initial Response (FEMA IS-200.C)

Covers supervisory roles within ICS, resource management, and coordination during incidents. Designed for personnel likely to assume leadership positions. Events require clear command structures during emergencies, and this training prepares venue managers and production staff to coordinate resources effectively when incidents escalate beyond basic response.

4 hours

Decision Making and Problem Solving (IS-241.C)

Focuses on systematic approaches to decision-making and problem-solving during emergency situations, including risk assessment and resource allocation. Emergency management requires rapid, high-stakes decisions with incomplete information. This training provides frameworks for making sound decisions when venues face operational disruptions, evacuation needs, or conversion to emergency services. 2 hours

National Incident Management System Introduction (FEMA IS-700.B)

Provides overview of NIMS principles, multi-agency coordination, resource management, and Emergency Operations Center functions across government levels. Arts organizations operate within larger community emergency systems, so understanding NIMS helps venues integrate with local emergency management and access mutual aid resources during disasters.

3 hours