Gardens Buffalo Niagara Safety Plan

Updated June 2025

 

Gardens Buffalo Niagara – Our Commitment to Safety

Gardens Buffalo Niagara takes the safety of our gardeners, volunteers, and visitors very seriously. The following guidelines outline how we work to create a safe, welcoming experience for everyone involved with our events and programs.

General Safety Tips for Gardeners

  • Secure valuables inside your home.

  • Do not allow visitors inside your home.

  • If a visitor makes you uncomfortable, you are welcome to ask them to leave.

  • You may close your garden at any time by simply removing your event sign.

  • If you encounter an issue, please notify us. For emergencies, call 911 first.

  • Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

  • Keep your phone nearby during all events.

Who to Contact if a Problem Arises

If an issue occurs during an event:

  1. Call 911 first for any emergency involving injury, medical need, or safety threat.

  2. Once it is safe to do so, notify Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s Executive Director by calling 716-247-5004.

  3. The Executive Director will notify the Executive Committee and coordinate next steps with the appropriate committee chairs and board members.

  4. Communication between the Executive Director and Event Chairs is ongoing—if you have concerns, you can also contact your Event Chair directly. Their contact information is provided to you via email.

Remember: your safety and the safety of visitors is always the top priority.

How Gardens Buffalo Niagara Responds to Emergencies

Gardens Buffalo Niagara hosts a wide variety of events—some centralized in one location, others spread across neighborhoods. No matter the event type, we take safety seriously and follow clear protocols:

  • Centralized Events (e.g., Garden Art Sale, Conservation Day):

    • Work with local police, EMS, and partner organizations to plan ahead.

    • Ensure a visible safety presence.

    • Provide first aid kits on-site.

    • Designate a location for lost children.

    • Develop clear evacuation plans for event headquarters.

  • Decentralized Events (e.g., Garden Walk Buffalo, East Side Garden Walk, Urban Farm Day, and Open Gardens):

    • Notify EMS and police of the full event footprint.

    • Provide emergency services with maps and contact lists.

    • Educate volunteers and gardeners on what to watch for and how to respond.

    • Prepare site-specific safety checklists and quick-reference safety sheets for volunteers.

  • Tabling Events (e.g., Plantasia, outreach tabling):

    • Volunteers are reminded: your safety is the top priority—if you feel unsafe, leave immediately.

    • Volunteers are trained to follow this order if a problem arises:

      1. Call 911

      2. Notify the host organization

      3. Contact Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s Executive Director

    • In an emergency, volunteers should leave all materials behind and exit safely.

What to Do If ICE Visits During an Event

In response to concerns from some of our newest residents, Gardens Buffalo Niagara has added the following guidance to our Safety Plan.

Please remember:

  • Most GBN events take place on private property. Participating in an event does not make your property public.

  • You do not have to allow anyone—including ICE agents—into your home.

Key Rights to Know:

  • Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status. You may simply say, “I do not need to answer that question.” Never lie to an officer.

  • Right to Refuse Entry: ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge. If they come to your door, ask to see the warrant—an unsigned “ICE warrant” is not valid.

  • Right to Legal Representation: Do not sign any documents without first consulting an attorney.

  • Above all, do not let anyone inside your house during a GBN event.

Above all — enjoy the gardens!

Gardens Buffalo Niagara is here to help ensure your experience is safe, welcoming, and fun. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance at any time, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

We look forward to seeing you out in the gardens — stay safe and have a wonderful time!