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By Juliana White
How to stay safe attending outdoor concerts and festivals in the summer heat. (Credit: Photo by I News)
Summer heat is unforgiving, increasing health risks for unprepared outdoor concertgoers.
Belting songs with fellow fans. Standing a few inches away from your favorite musician. Jumping, dancing and cheering for hours. Warm weather and clear skies make summer the perfect time for outdoor concerts and festivals.
It is easy to get lost in the excitement of an anticipated show. Preparing before an event is essential for staying safe so the fun never ends.
Determined never to miss a second of the action, many concert attendees ignore their body's needs. Ignoring body signals awards you a trip away from the fun and over to the medical tent.
Take care of yourself. Safety comes first, especially under the sweltering sun.
For a smooth concert experience, here are four basic tips to remember: Hydration, sunscreen, food and clothes.
Hydration
Drink lots of water throughout the day. Some venues give a few different options to stay hydrated. The most common are bottled waters available for purchase once inside.
A growing trend frequently seen is venues providing free refills at water stations. Vans Warped Tour's hydration stations were very popular among attendees who brought empty water bottles.
Extremely dedicated fans guarding their front-row spots all day bring small hydration packs that runners use to stay hydrated.
Infographic showing the effects of dehydration depending on how much fluid is lost. (Credit: Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute)
Sports medicine physician with Lowcountry Spine and Sport in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and American Heart Association volunteer Dr. Jason Batson, says the best indicator for dehydration is your urine. Light in color means you are hydrated. Dark in color means your body needs water.
"If you get thirsty, you're already dehydrated," Batson said in an interview with the American Heart Association.
Sunscreen
Avoid the painful sting of blistering burns with sunscreen. Continue to reapply throughout the day.
Small travel-size bottles or stick sunscreens easily fit in your bag. Many people recommend the Neutrogena ultra-sheer face and body sunscreen stick.
Food
Food will help you stay energized throughout the day. Eat before going to the event. Bring small snacks if the venue rules allow. Concert food is notoriously expensive. Eating enough beforehand can help you avoid paying steep prices.
Clothes
Wear shoes you feel comfortable walking, standing and jumping in all day. Scope out the venue location beforehand. Certain shoes are better suited for different ground types. Blisters and bruises will form from wearing improper shoes.
Always check the weather to dress appropriately. Thin, light materials reduce the risk of overheating.
If you are still unsure about how to prepare for a concert, read other articles for more tips. For specific advice, find reviews from people who previously attended the same event.
Before buying anything to fill your bag, always check the venue's website for rules on bag size and allowed items. Stay alert to what your body needs and remember to have fun.
Additional items to consider bringing:
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Band-aids
- Cash
- Portable phone charger
- Hand sanitizer
- Ear plugs
- Hair ties
- Ibuprofen/Advil
- Chapstick
- Safety pins - (clothing and bag straps break; safety pins are a quick fix to keep your items secure.)
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