Contributed by Digital Intern Ciana Moore
With the warm summer weather comes parades, festivals, concerts, and large events. While most people attend these events with the intention of having a good time, safety is a common concern. Here are a few precautions you can take to ensure you have a good time while also staying safe.
Don’t Split Up
In the event that something happens, avoid splitting up with your group as much as possible. This allows everyone to be accounted for.
Have a Meeting Place
In the event your group gets separated at some point, have a spot designated for your group to meet. This avoids the panic of trying to find people in a huge crowd.
Keep in Contact
Keep your phone charged and with you at all times. You should always keep your group informed on where you are. Your phone should also be used to call for a ride or for help in the event of an emergency.
Stay Hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated when attending events in large crowds. These events usually go on for long periods of time and large crowds often have people getting dehydrated from the heat. To avoid this, drink plenty of water prior to attending and carry water bottles with you if possible. And keep your drink in view at all times.
Always Stay Aware
It is important to stay alert while attending these events. This past weekend, I attended the Capitol Pride Parade and noticed several people running away from the parade. This prompted me to leave, as I knew this situation was going to escalate. 30 seconds later, I was in the metro and hundreds of people were running behind me. The parade was eventually shut down as there was a gun found on the scene by police. Being aware and trusting my instincts helped me avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
Have a Solid Plan for Your Ride Home
One of the most important safety concerns is how you plan to get home. Have a plan for your ride and in the event of an emergency, have a backup plan as well. Whether it is an Uber or Lyft, the metro, a friend or another form of transportation, make sure you are able to get home in a timely manner.