Safety First
Festival-going is a common coming-of-age activity, as well as a fun way to discover new music and create lasting experiences with loved ones. Having a good time at the festival is essential, but so is keeping yourself safe there. One approach is to learn how to celebrate responsibly. This includes things like controlling your substance use, being aware of those who may be at risk and helping them if necessary, treating others with dignity, and organising your itinerary in advance.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping cool and hydrated is also essential for your safety. You should bring water with you, and plan so that you have enough money to buy water at the festival. You need to keep track of your fluid intake throughout the day and always have some water on hand in case of an unexpected need. Protect yourself from heat exhaustion, sunburn, and even anxiety and other mental health issues by keeping cool.
Relax and Take a Breather
Going to any kind of festival is thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming for the average person. That’s why it’s crucial to unwind and take breaks whenever you need them. Although you will likely want to take in as much of the festival as possible, it is important to listen to your body and take pauses from walking, etc., throughout the day.
Take Your Medicine With You
Do not risk going without your prescribed medication for numerous days by forgetting to pack it in your festival luggage. Notifying your doctor of your need for more medication will allow them to prescribe enough for your journey to the festival. Medication needs to be kept in a locked cabinet or other secure location in an airtight container.
Get to Know Your Surroundings
One of the most important parts of getting ready for a festival is familiarising yourself with the area where it will be held. A map of the venue may usually be accessible on the event’s website, allowing you to print out numerous copies for yourself and any guests you might be bringing. You can also make an approximate schedule of events by studying the map ahead of time.
Take Care of Your Ears
Protecting your physical health, especially your hearing, is crucial when attending a festival. If you care about your hearing, you should buy a good pair of earplugs so you may listen to your favourite bands without risking damage to your ears. If you want to sleep soundly in your tent or camping location despite the presence of outside noises, earplugs are a must.
Establish a ‘buddy’ System
You should set up a ‘buddy’ system with your friends and/or family if you plan on going to a festival together. Helping participants with similar musical likes and interests explore the event by pairing them up through a “buddy” system. You may all feel more secure knowing that someone is always returning to the campsite to check on everything.
Mind Your Liquor
If you plan on drinking alcohol at a festival, it’s crucial to keep track of how much you’re consuming and to have alternatives on hand in case you need them. The act of putting illegal chemicals into someone’s drink (also known as “spiking”) is another reason why it’s important to keep an eye on what you’re drinking.
Download Free Software 10
Your cell phone is an absolute must at the festival. Some ‘online’ gadgets can be downloaded onto your cell phone to make your festival experience more enjoyable. The software Life360, for instance, is fantastic for keeping tabs on people who stray off or become otherwise misplaced. Find My Phone is another excellent tracking tool that can be used to trace the whereabouts of a lost or stolen cellphone.
When Out at Night, Stay in Crowded, Well-lit Locations
Most celebrations will begin early in the morning and continue well into the evening hours. Stay near your group or “buddy” system and stick to well-lit, crowded places when night falls. You’ll have less of a chance of becoming lost or separated from your company, which lessens the likelihood of an attack or injury.
Be on the Lookout for Impending Trouble
Despite the fun that may be had at festivals, fights between attendees are unfortunately not unheard of. Because so many people are likely to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you must keep your wits about you at all times. If you see signs of problems, you should get out of the area immediately (if you can) and notify security.
Get Yourself a Personal Security System
Bringing a personal security alarm (sometimes known as a rape alarm) to a festival is a terrific way to feel more secure in your skin. Most personal alarms come in key chain or bag attachment varieties. If you feel threatened at any time throughout the event and need to signal for assistance, a safety alarm can serve as an effective deterrent.
Always Have Your Belongings Close at Hand
A fanny pack, or some other kind of personal storage that can be worn around the waist, is another must-have item at any event. Your odds of being pick-pocketed will go down and you’ll have quick access to your belongings if you utilize a purse that can be worn across your chest. Items such as a cell phone, charger, keys, wallet, and identification card will be considered personal effects.
Don’t Combine Drugs
You may be thinking about doing new things while at the event, like alcohol and drugs. If you want to minimise the possibility of experiencing a negative reaction to any drugs you may have taken, it’s best not to combine them. Having a good time and speeding up your body’s recovery time are both increased if you stick to just one substance kind.
Utilise Drug Testing Facilities
While we’re on the subject of drugs, it’s a good idea to make use of the festival’s drug testing facilities. There has been an uptick in the number of designated drug testing locations, which provide a welcome place for curious individuals to try out new substances without fear of stigma. To promote safe drug use and lessen the likelihood of an accidental overdose, drug testing facilities are made available to the public.
Utilise Mobile Health Care Clinics
It’s crucial to keep track of the location of any medical tents during a festival, both for your safety and the safety of those around you. Festivals are chaotic places, so don’t assume you won’t need to use the medical tents. Accidents can happen at any time, and you (or someone else there) may need medical assistance.
About the Author:
Mandla Mkhize is a seasoned entertainment journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Known for his sharp insights and a keen eye for detail, Mandla has spent over a decade reporting on music, film, and pop culture.
