Event Safety: Think Ahead

 

Is it a backyard or a beach?

BY C STONE | THE SUPERHOT /||' Event Safety '||\

With the upcoming summer festivals and getaways happening, you'll want to ensure it's a safe and enjoyable time.

To be safe at a large event, plan ahead by locating all emergency exits and first aid stations, setting a specific meeting point for your group, and staying sober and aware of your surroundings. 

Avoid standing in crushing or stagnant crowds, keep your belongings secure, and trust your instincts—if you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately.

Before You Arrive - Review the venue: Check the event's website or app for venue maps, prohibited/allowed items, and clear-bag policies. Pre-plan exits: Upon entering, physically locate the closest exits. 

Do not rely solely on the main entry, as it will likely be the most congested in an emergency. Establish a meet-up spot: If separated from friends or family, choose a highly visible, distinct, and static landmark to meet up (e.g., a specific vendor or information booth).

Share information: Make sure children or those who need assistance have an ID bracelet or tag with your contact information on it. 

During the Event Maintain situational awareness: Stay observant. If you hear a commotion, run away from it rather than toward it to see what is happening.

Stay hydrated and protected: Depending on the weather, bring sufficient water, sunscreen, and ear protection to prevent heat exhaustion or hearing damage. Watch your drinks: Never leave beverages unattended.

 To prevent being drugged, always keep your drink in your hand and cover it. 

Avoid confrontation: Steer clear of intoxicated people and avoid arguments, especially in high-emotion environments like sporting events or concerts.

Navigating Crowds - Keep moving: Never stand completely still or sit down in the middle of a dense, moving crowd.

Maintain breathing room: Keep your arms bent near your chest to protect your ribs and maintain a little pocket of air around you.

Exit diagonally: If you need to leave a tight crowd, do not cut straight through. 

Move diagonally along with the flow of the crowd to get to the perimeter. If you fall: Try to get back up immediately.

 If you cannot, curl into a ball to cover your head and chest, protecting your airway until there is an opening to stand.

Avoid the Mosh Pit:

 If you want to avoid rough crowd behavior, steer clear of the center-front and mosh pits.

Assist Fallen Attendees: If you see someone fall, immediately help them up to prevent trampling.

Trust Your Instincts: Move away from aggressive individuals or spontaneously surging crowds. Alert event security immediately if you notice unsafe behavior. 

Watch your drinks, and never, ever accept a drink from a stranger. If you leave your drink to go to the bathroom, don't ever resume drinking it. Ever.

We hope you enjoyed these tips!

Attending a Concert This Year? Here are Some Safety Tips

 

BY C STONE | THE SUPER HOT /||" CONCERT SAFETY "||\

Concert and summer events are starting to crop up on many people's social media streams. I thought it would be best to bring up some good safety tips when attending these events. I'd like to run through some advice gathered to ensure you have the best, most secure event.

To stay safe at a concert, always map out emergency exits the moment you arrive, establish a clear meeting spot if you get separated, and protect your valuables in a secure front-facing bag.

 Hydrate properly, wear high-fidelity earplugs to prevent hearing damage, and be mindful of your personal space. 

Event Preparation & Planning Review Venue Policies:

 Check the venue's official website beforehand for strict rules on clear bag policies, permitted items, and prohibited objects.

Dress Smartly: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes to protect your feet and prevent tripping. Leave valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash at home or better yet, a bank vault.

Protect Your Belongings: Use a fanny pack, crossbody bag, or anti-theft money belt. Keep zippers facing your body, and never keep your phone in an easily accessible back pocket.

Weather Awareness: If you are attending an outdoor festival or waiting in a long line, check the forecast and pack weather-appropriate gear like a light rain poncho or sunscreen.

Venue Awareness & Crowd Control

Identify Exits: As soon as you enter, find the closest emergency exit routes and note where security personnel or first-aid stations are stationed.

Buddy System: Always attend with a friend or group. Agree on a specific, recognizable meet-up spot (e.g., a distinct landmark, specific merch stand) in case your group gets separated or cell service drops.

Navigate Crowd Surges: If you get caught in a dense crowd, stay calm. Do not fight against the flow of the crowd. Keep your arms crossed in front of your chest like a boxer to create a pocket of air so you can breathe easily.

Avoid the Center of Mosh Pits: If you are uncomfortable with rough, physical dancing, quickly step away from the center of the crowd near the stage.

For a quick overview of additional rules, especially if you are letting younger fans attend independently:

Health & Personal Wellness Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the show. 

Limit alcohol intake, as alcohol combined with heat and dancing can quickly lead to dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Wear Earplugs: Live concerts regularly exceed 85 decibels, which can cause permanent hearing damage. 

Bring high-fidelity earplugs, which protect your ears without ruining the sound quality of the music.

Know Your Limits: Never accept open drinks or substances from strangers, and monitor your personal reactions to heat or exhaustion.

Trust Your Instincts: If a situation, area, or individual feels unsafe, alert security and move away immediately.

Final advice: If the venue doesn't feel right, such as security, crowd control, or other items, then don't attend. Your safety is clearly more valuable than lining the pockets of the event company who produced it.

Peace.

-CS