Summer is the season for outdoor concerts, festivals, and other large-scale events. These gatherings promise a good time filled with music, food, and fun. While they offer an exciting escape from the everyday routine, things can take a dark turn quickly if people aren’t behaving safely. Thousands of event-goers get ill or injured yearly at these events, and sometimes fatalities occur. However, most of these risks can be averted by taking a few key precautions. Here are some effective strategies to help you stay safe at large outdoor summer events.
Dehydration and heat stroke are the most common causes of illness during outdoor summer events. With the sun beating down, dehydration can occur rapidly, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and worse. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly throughout the day. Use care when consuming alcohol because alcohol can accelerate dehydration. If you choose to indulge, a good practice is to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is vital in the intense summer sun. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours, more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating a lot. Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, and feet.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabric like cotton to stay cool. A hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection against the sun. Comfortable footwear is essential, too, as you’ll likely be on your feet for extended periods.
Familiarize yourself with the event layout as soon as you arrive. Locate the emergency exits, medical tents, restrooms, and food and water stations. This knowledge can be invaluable in case of an emergency.
Too much alcohol can do more than dehydrate you–it can also impair your judgment, which can trigger accidents and injury in a crowd. Always consume alcohol responsibly and know your limits. If you’re at an event where illicit substances are available, avoid consuming these for both legal and safety reasons. NEVER consume anything handed to you without knowing exactly what it is—and knowing you can trust the person who gave it to you.
With all the excitement of an outdoor gathering, pushing past your limits is easy. If you’re feeling unwell, take a break. Find a shaded area to rest, hydrate, and seek medical assistance if necessary. Doing so can stop a bad situation from getting worse.
Large groups of people in confined spaces can be dangerous, especially when moving to the music. Injuries and even death can occur from falling, trampling, or even suffocation from pressing crowds. Be aware of how many people are around you, and if necessary, move toward the edges. Steer clear of “mosh pits” opening near the stage, and avoid activities like crowd surfing.
If you’re attending the event with friends or family, establish a meeting point in case you get separated. Agree upon regular “check-ins” with each other throughout the day so someone is properly alerted if you encounter a problem and don’t make your “check-in.”
Even in practicing these safety tips, accidents sometimes happen at large gatherings. If you experience an injury because other attendees were careless or the festival management didn’t follow safety protocols, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact our personal injury attorneys to discuss your case.
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