As record-breaking heat hits major regions across the country this week, outdoor concerts and events are still in full swing, drawing large crowds to parks, amphitheaters and festivals.
This comes almost a year after a series of concerts were plagued by casualties due to heat-related causes. Last July, more than a dozen heat-related injuries were reported at an Ed Sheeran concert in Pittsburgh. The following August, there were sixteen hospital admissions for similar problems during a Snoop Dog concert in Houston. Months later, a Taylor Swift fan died after going into cardiac arrest during a performance in Brazil, reportedly due to exhaustion caused by a heat wave.
With temperatures soaring into the triple digits in the Midwest and Northeast in recent days, music and event organizers are ramping up safety measures to ensure attendees can enjoy the show without risking their health.
While venues are increasingly providing shaded areas and plenty of drink stations to keep their guests safe during the sweltering heat, here’s what concertgoers can do to offset any health risks.
How venues are taking precautions
The Mann Center in Philadelphia, where a heat advisory was issued on June 18, says it is all hands on deck for crowd safety.
“Emergency medical personnel are on site at all times and free misting fans are stationed around the venue,” a representative for the Mann Center, which hosts numerous outdoor concerts at the TD Pavilion, told Yahoo Entertainment.
Before each event, the venue will notify guests to order 20 oz. water bottles – and to refill them regularly at the free stations located throughout the location. There are also “huge ceiling fans,” which the rep said are running at full blast these days.
In Asbury Park, NJ, known for hosting music festivals like Sea.Hear.Now on its scenic beach and boardwalk, heat warnings are displayed throughout the spaces. Signs are also visible with directions to the nearest aid stations, as well as instructions on what to do if you or someone else experiences signs of heat stroke.
Outdoor venues in the area ensure they are equipped to handle emergencies, a city representative told Yahoo Entertainment. The Asbury Park Fire Department is on standby for any outdoor event.
The ocean winds are also helpful in recovering from the scorching heat. “One of the nicest things about a coastal city is that you have one of the largest natural AC units: the Atlantic Ocean.”
A representative from Central Park in New York City told Yahoo Entertainment that they are working with city and government agencies to ensure the safety of crowds. For events with more than 5,000 attendees, producers must have private medical providers apply for a license from the state Department of Health.
Chicago’s Grant Park, home to major festivals like Lollapalooza and the Grant Park Music Festival, is also taking extra precautions this summer.
According to an organizer of the Grant Park Music Festival, it is common for park festivals to work closely with the city’s emergency management office to “establish protocols necessary to protect performers and audience members.”
This includes providing “cooling buses” near the venue – where visitors can step inside for brief relief from the heat – as well as numerous cooling misters on site. The worst case scenario, the organizer told Yahoo News, is that extreme heat could cause festivals to be canceled.
“During periods of high heat, we will shorten the length of our programs and provide longer breaks for performers to cool down backstage,” they said.
Expert advice on staying safe in the heat
When attending an outdoor event in extreme heat, Brian D. Avery, an event safety expert and professor at the University of Florida’s College of Health & Human Performance, said hydration is critical — ideally at least 8 fluid ounces every 20 to 30 minutes. .
Clothing is just as important, he explained to Yahoo Entertainment, as is using sunscreen and being super aware of your surroundings.
“Wear lightweight and breathable clothing,” Avery said. “Get to know the layout of the event, look for shaded areas, cooling and hydration stations and medical facilities.”
That’s why Avery said it’s important to pay attention to your own body so you can recognize early signs of heat exhaustion. Seek immediate medical attention if you or anyone exhibits symptoms.
Early signs of heat stroke include “excessive sweating, weakness or fatigue, cool and moist skin, a rapid but weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle spasms, dizziness, and migraines,” Avery explains.
Connor Fitzpatrick, vice president of CrowdRx, which provides emergency response teams for major events, said it’s important to plan ahead, pace yourself and apply due diligence before attending outdoor events in extreme heat.
“Choose locations with a good reputation for safety and security,” he advised Yahoo Entertainment. When available, visitors should also “download the venue’s app for real-time updates and emergency instructions.”
Most importantly, be aware of humidity and overcrowding, and know where to find the nearest water station and toilets.
In outdoor locations, bathrooms, water supplies and health stations can sometimes be difficult to find. In those cases, Fitzpatrick says, it’s vital to be aware of the nearest one in case of an emergency – for yourself or someone else.
Overcrowding, especially in extreme heat, is another important factor to consider.
“When movement becomes difficult and personal space is compromised, it can increase the risk of injury,” Fitzpatrick said. “Take a break from the sun and the hustle and bustle to cool off and rehydrate. Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle, and consider supplementing with electrolyte replacement drinks.”
Avery emphasizes the importance of due diligence, noting that venue operators sometimes fail to keep attendees informed of “current weather information and safety guidelines” before and during a planned event, which can compromise efficiency.
“Outdoor festivals can be a fantastic experience, but it is essential to have safety protocols in place to protect everyone involved,” he said.
