Great Scale Model Train and
Railroad Collectors Show

& Railroad Marketplace

Safety and Security

PUBLIC SAFETY: Owing to the well publicized disasters in public places over the past decade, the Maryland
State Fair management takes visitor safety very seriously; so seriously, in fact, that the current safety officer is a
retired Maryland Fire Marshall. Fire and the forces of nature are the primary concern, and where thousands of
people occupy an enclosed space, "crowd control" is the essential mechanism for protecting people from injury,
or worse. We WANT to exceed the requirements of show operators, and set a good example of high regard for
public safety.

Show Vendors have a special role to play, both to protect themselves and staff, and nearby members of the
public. Here are some practical steps you can take:

  • Observe the location of exits, marked by exit signs above them. If you see anything blocking an exit or
    impeding reasonably speedy egress in the immediate area, bring it to our attention.
  • In the event of an evacuation, an announcement will be made over the public address system, directing
    people to appropriate exit points. Provided that you, yourself, are in no immediate danger, you may assist by
    opening the doors if they are nearby, and pointing the way.
  • Otherwise note the location and operation of roll up loading doors. These are not "exits" within the meaning
    of the fire code, but they certainly are a way to evacuate many people quickly, should the need arise. Our
    table layout diagram will be conformed so that some loading doors are partially accessible, allowing a
    similar path of egress as would a regular exit.
  • Consider taking the brief, online, crowd management course offered by the Maryland State Fire Marshall's
    office (http://www.firemarshal.state.md.us/crowdmanager). It is fundamentally an exercise in "common
    sense," but if many vendors take the course, then we'll all be on the "same page" if we need to act in a
    coordinated effort. There is an optional test and certificate of completion, should you wish to avail yourself
    of these. If so, please bring a copy of your certificate with you, which we will include in our compliance
    documentation.

In over 3 decades of shows, we've never had an incident. However, being prepared not only gives us an edge if
something does occur, but also allows us to enjoy the shows more, knowing that we're ready to respond.

SITE SECURITY: The show premises is locked after closing, and continuously occupied by a security officer
who regularly patrols the entire premises and unlocks the building in the morning about 30 minutes before
vendors may enter. During the show, Fair Officials may inspect the show for compliance, or otherwise in
response to our call for assistance (very rare). Although the mysterious disappearance of merchandise is so rare
as to be virtually non- existent, vendors may prefer to remove items of exceptional or concentrated value after
the Saturday show closes for the day. We recommend that you do whatever best serves your own comfort level.

INSURANCE: Vendors who are selling their own personal property (not in the business of selling) may
generally expect an insurance recovery under their homeowner's or tenant's policy for loss or damage to their
personal property, subject to deductibles or other policy conditions. If you are a business, consider coverage of
property while away from your business, and coverage for public liability.

Need to talk? Contact us.  By phone to 410-551-6131, or by email to jsgeare@gsmts.com.