With concert and festival season right around the corner, fun, sun, music and friends might be on the forefront of your mind. It is imperative, however, that to ensure you enjoy the show and get home safely, you take a few precautions before jamming out.
Don’t fly solo
While to some this may seem like common sense, remaining in a group or pair can be overlooked in some situations. Even if you’re just leaving for a few moments to get a drink or use the restroom, going anywhere alone, especially while around intoxicated or otherwise impaired persons, can be a huge risk. It’s much easier to target people who are sorting money, walking or even just waiting in line if they’re alone, which leads to vulnerability in robberies or assaults.
Watch your drink
This is one of the first precautions anyone will tell you, but unfortunately it is one that is ignored or taken lightly far too often. According to LA Weekly, an estimated “2.7 percent of U.S. adult women have been victims of drug-facilitated rape at some point in their lives.” With all the commotion and the close proximity of people at concerts, it’s not incredibly difficult for a potential predator to slip something into a cup while its owner has their head turned or is in the bathroom. If, for any reason, you must leave your drink unattended, discard it. Your health and safety is worth more than your overpriced margarita.
Don’t accept anything from a stranger
A reality of concerts and festivals is that some individuals choose to bring illegal and dangerous drugs onto the grounds. If a stranger passes you anything, whether they claim it is a cigarette or a candy, do not accept or ingest it. According to Billboard, in 2016, two dozen concertgoers in Ohio were hospitalized after baggies of “candies” laced with large doses of THC caused them to need medical attention. Even if it is what they claim it to be, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Remove yourself from potentially dangerous situations
If you feel like something may be on the verge of going wrong, do your best to physically remove yourself from the area before things escalate. What may start out as two men fighting in the row in front of you could turn into a violent brawl, or one person who begins to act strangely may be under the influence of potentially hazardous drugs. It is very easy for harmful situations to arise within the crowds at festivals and concerts, and it’s safer to lose your seat than potentially be involved in a violent outburst.
Keep track of your belongings — and friends
Even if it’s not the epitome of fashion, fanny packs might be the most efficient way to keep your belongings close and safe. It ensures your money, cell phone, sunscreen or keys all have their place right on your person. If you’re not using a fanny pack or something similar, make sure whatever other bag your have with you is next to you and closed at all times. And, while keeping track of your belongings, make sure you’re also keeping track of your group. The last thing you need is to lose your phone and friends in a crowd.
