With concert season fast approaching and tons of artists coming to town, it is easy to get carried away with all the fun. Going to concerts can be one of the best experiences of your life and can connect you to music in a completely mind-altering way. While concerts are fun, in the aftermath of events like the bombing at the Manchester Arena or Las Vegas shooting at Route 91 Harvest, both in 2017, it is important to mention how crucial concert safety is — especially if it’s your first concert, you’re attending a big event or you’re going alone.
Here are some ways to stay safe:
Let others know where you are
Regardless of whether you are going to a concert alone or with a group of friends, a good tip is to let family members or friends who are not attending know exactly where you are. If you find yourself in some sort of trouble, the people who know your whereabouts could get you help.
Stay hydrated
Concerts are crowded places where a lot of dancing, singing and sweating take place. With shows being two to three hours long, drinking plenty of water is a great way to avoid feeling lightheaded or out of breath. This is especially true in South Florida area’s summer heat, more so if your concert is outdoors.
Keep an eye on your surroundings
Many people attend concerts and, depending on the artist, sometimes fill every seat in the house. That said, it is important to note the people around you. Look out for individuals who seem suspicious or dangerous and try to stay clear of them. Additionally, note all exits and have an escape route in mind in case of an emergency.
Protect your money
With all the dancing and fun one has at a concert, it’s easy to momentarily throw your cares away and enjoy. This does not mean, however, that one should place our money in a back pocket and go on with the show. Money is something easily lost or stolen. To avoid this, keep your money in a secure place like your wallet, inside your shoe or a concealed pocket.
Bring a portable charger
Bringing your phone to a concert to try and capture every memory may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to forget tot consider the phone’s battery life. Bringing a portable charger not only ensures that you will have battery to record but also ensures you’ll have your phone in an emergency.
With safety covered, here are some ways to ensure the best time at a concert:
Rock a fanny pack
Taking a fanny pack to a concert is a great way to keep your belongs organized and close to you. You can bring your keys, wallet, phone and any other small items you need. You also won’t have to worry about carrying weight on your back.
Listen to songs
This may seem like an obvious tip, but sometimes with the excitement of a concert, it’s easy to forget to listen to the songs that will be played live. It’s okay not to be a fan of all of them, but at least get familiar with them to later know which songs you liked best live.
Take a photo of the setlists
Taking a photo of the setlists is the perfect way to manage your time and anticipate what is to come at a concert. Knowing the setlists and schedule allows you to plan when you can go to the bathroom and when you can purchase food, drinks or merchandise.
Put your phone down
Although we may be tempted to record the entire concert to relive later, don’t forget to live in the moment. Consistently recording and being on your phone can also bother others who are trying to simply enjoy the concert.
