KCPR and Pulse’s guide to festival safety
With the Shabang Music, Arts and Camping Festival just around the corner, many people are gearing up for a weekend of non-stop fun. Music festivals are a great opportunity to step outside the ordinary with the soundtrack of your dreams narrating the day.
However, an unsafe atmosphere can quickly ruin a memorable moment. In collaboration with Pulse, KCPR has compiled a list of “safety musts” to ensure that all your Shabang headbanging goes swimmingly.
More information can be found at Pulse.
Wear Sunscreen
According to local weather forecasts, May 2 and 3 are expected to have partly cloudy skies and temperatures dropping to 65 degrees. You might be assuming stormy clouds mean no sun protection, and with that, you would be wrong. While clouds still offer some protection from the sun, they don’t block all UV radiation. Thin or scattered clouds actually allow more UV rays to pass through, according to the National Weather Service. So be safe and wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF — unless you want an awkward sunglasses tan.
Stay Hydrated
It’s so easy to forget to drink water in your day-to-day life, even easier when you’re screaming the lyrics to your favorite song. While energy drinks and coffee are liquids, they can also cause dehydration. Not drinking enough water can cause muscle cramps and fainting, with severe dehydration sending your body into shock. This isn’t a good look if you’re trying to get that main character moment in the pit. Sports drinks and electrolyte packages can help replace nutrients that are lost when sweating, so be sure to pack some of those in your bag.
If you use substances, start slow
It’s a music festival. Whether it be alcohol or other substances, make sure that you start off slow. The number one cause of death at music festivals are overdoses. It’s also important to know your limit when it comes to substances. Make sure to count how many drinks you’ve had. More information about counting drinks can be found here.
It’s also important to know what you are taking. Never take drugs from a stranger, and if you do, make sure to test everything for fentanyl. Carrying and knowing how to administer Narcan is crucial if you are going to be partaking in substances.
Eat
On that note, make sure to eat before you drink or take any substances at the festival. It’s never a good idea to take substances on an empty stomach. Yes, food can be forgotten amidst all the chatter and dance, but would you rather end up at the medical tent?
Know where the bathrooms are
Knowing where a sink and toilet are is crucial for preventing the spread of disease. It’s also important to know where those are located to prevent you from missing an artist’s performance. If you know where the bathrooms are, then you can plan your bathroom breaks, potentially reducing the likelihood of long wait times and delays.
Stay with a buddy
I know you haven’t had the buddy-buddy system enforced since you probably were in kindergarten, but it’s time to bring back the sentiment! It’s been a long-standing joke that women go to the bathroom together, however, everyone could benefit from the buddy-buddy system. Having a buddy prevents people from getting lost, being robbed, getting injured and having a bad time. If you have an extra pair of eyes on you, you’re more likely to be aware of your surroundings. Buddy-watching is not babysitting. Wouldn’t you want a built-in friend to collect memories with?
Have a meet up spot
On that note, when you have a buddy, make sure that you have a meeting spot with your friends. If you’re attending a music festival with a large group of people, it’s crucial that you have a meeting spot in case an emergency happens and you need to find them quickly. This is also helpful to have in case anyone gets lost or when you are ready to leave the festival.
Music festivals are meant to bring great memories and unforgettable experiences. By practicing these tips, you are guaranteeing your experience will be fun and most importantly, safe.
