According to Arbon 2003, attending outdoor music festivals (OMFs) is associated with an increased risk of injury and, in extreme cases, death.
This year when Hype Fest organized a concert featuring Jamaican star Konshens Entrance to the event was a big issue. There was no entrance strategy and this led to a stampede and people got hurt.
Throwback to Nigerian Artist Tekno Miles 2017 something similar happened,
So here are some tips to help ease that
Print your ticket
At the gate it such a hassle removing your phone, downloading the ticket and showing it from your email, before the event print your ticket the ticket verification will go faster.
Avoid carrying a lot Things
Refrain from carrying a lot of things, this helps in taking care of your personal property and it is easier to move around.
Limit your Drinks
In a crowd of approximately 10,000 people you cannot get extremely drunk to a blackout that is putting yourself at high risk and very unsafe .know your alcohol intake limit and Most importantly do not drink with strangers.
Safeguarding your phones and bags
Do not put your phones in pockets that are easily accessible to thieves such as your back pocket. Also in the crowd do not raise your phone too high to capture the artist Carry your bag in front of you where you can see it rather than the back.
Make sure your phone can be tracked in case of theft and loss, almost every smartphone today has a feature for find my phone and turn on the location beforehand.
Instead of cash carry your card or use M-Pesa
Protects you from theft, there is no hassle of looking for a change and it is easier to keep track of.
Stay close to your friend or the group you came with
There is safety in numbers especially around your friends; you can take care of each other. Hang around
Use a cab
In most events parking is usually a big issue and very limited, it will be easier to use a taxi service and also there will be no dilemma of drinking and driving.
In case of a stampede
According to Fast For Word, Keep your eyes open, stay upright, leave while you can, move away from barriers, go with the crowd flow not against it. Arms at chest level should the pressure become intense, fold your arms up in front of you like a boxer. In that position, you can protect your ribcage and keep a few centimeters of space around your ribs and lungs so you can breathe and most importantly do not panic.
Kathleen Francisca