Health and Safety Tips for Attending Large-Scale Festivals: It is also during summer that festivals are in season. No matter how large a music festival, cultural event, or local fair is, it is worthwhile to put a high priority on your safety in the excitement of these events. When people celebrate, their guard tends to be lax in the merriment and celebration, and criminals find an opportunity to strike. There are incidences like harassment, rape and theft which unfortunately happen occasionally. However, you can prevent becoming a victim of these events with some preparation and precautions and have a memorable experience.
Statistics of crimes at festivals: Knowing the facts is important
Knowing the truth about what happens at festivals is the first step. Awareness helps you prepare mentally and deal with any problems. According to a survey conducted by Durham Law School in 2022, 34% of women reported harassment or assault at a festival in the past few years, while the number was only 6% among men. Similarly, a Yugov survey conducted in 2018 found that 22% of all participants and 30% of female participants faced some form of unwanted behaviour. Statistics show that both women and men can be victims of various types of harassment, and hence caution is extremely important.
Plan in advance
It is important to get information about the venue and safety measures before going to the festival. You should know the layout of the place, where the emergency exits are, and what you should do in case of any emergency. Apart from this, there should also be information about medical facilities and security arrangements. It may also be worthwhile to research the events that have happened at the festival in previous years. This kind of preparation will help you deal with any unexpected situation with confidence.
Stay together and have a buddy system
It is always safer to go to festivals with friends or a group than to go alone. A buddy system means that you decide with your friends that you will stick together and look out for each other. It is easy to get separated in a crowd, so it is important to stay connected with your group and look out for each other’s safety.
Determine a meeting point
It is very easy to get separated in a crowded environment. So decide on a place as a meeting point so that you can meet up there if you get separated from your friends or your mobile phone doesn’t work. Never hesitate to ask for help from on-site security, that is their job.
Don’t rely solely on security
Festivals have security guards and CCTV, but it is wrong to think that someone will always protect you. Security personnel cannot reach every location at events with thousands of people. Security personnel are often hard to provide full security due to limited training, low pay and additional responsibilities. Therefore, always take responsibility for your personal safety and use the security team as needed.
Be aware of your surroundings
The biggest part of self-safety is awareness and prevention. Pay attention to your surroundings and try to know who is near you and what is happening. Take safety instructions or announcements given by festival organisers seriously. Being alert can alert you to potential dangers beforehand and prevent unnecessary risks.
Keep your drinks covered
At festivals it is easy to spike drinks and this can occur at any given time. This is why you should cover your drinks and never drink with strangers or un-trusted individuals. In case you feel that you have been spiked on your drink, ask a friend and call for assistance. This scenario has little time and doing what is necessary to be safe is crucial.
Limit alcohol and drug consumption
Festivals increase your risk of taking too much alcohol or drugs. When people are drunk, they are not cautious about themselves and are easy targets to the criminals. Therefore drink and take drugs sparingly and do not take anything which is being offered to you by strangers.
Keep mobile and communication devices ready
Make sure to keep your mobile phone charged and to have a power bank in case it becomes necessary to reach out to someone in case of an emergency. In case the network fails, join the group, and use the plan to meet at the meeting point. These are useful arrangements during emergencies.
Learn self-defense measures
It is very helpful to learn how to defend yourself. Get to know simple strikes and how to release yourself. Even little things like screaming, retreating and seeking assistance will protect you immensely.
Keep important documents and cash safe
Always keep your ID, cash and credit cards in a safe place. Use a purse or small bag that is always close to the body. Don’t show your personal belongings to strangers at the festival and take out your documents only when necessary.
Make an exit plan from the crowd
It is important to have an immediate exit plan in case of a problem in the crowd. Know the emergency exit routes in advance and share them with the group. Panic can spread in the crowd, so stay calm and have a planned exit.
Help others and be alert
Don’t just think about your safety. Pay attention to your friends and people around you. If someone looks uncomfortable or asks for help, offer help. Collective alertness makes the entire festival safe and improves everyone’s experience.
Conclusion
Festivals are a time of joy and fun, but ignoring safety can cost a lot. Planning, staying with the group, being alert and taking personal safety measures can make your festival experience memorable and safe. Remember that having fun at festivals does not mean giving up your safety. With a little preparation, awareness and alertness, you can enjoy the festival to the fullest You can take the risk and avoid any risks.
