My name is Eden and my dad is Las Vegas personal injury lawyer Ed Bernstein. For twenty-eight years, since my older sister was born, my dad’s top priority has been to keep me and my sisters safe. He has always taught us that in any given situation there are some things we can plan for and others we can’t.
Driving a car is the example that comes to mind when I think about our conversations. He would say, “I trust you, it’s everyone else I don’t trust.” He explained that even though we can buckle up and exercise perfect caution, we can never have control over the other drivers on the road.
When I started working in the entertainment industry, my dad was always worried about me. This worry increased, however, when terrorist attacks began occurring in venues much like the ones my sisters and I would frequent. After the suicide bombing that killed twenty-two people at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night, I decided to write this post to share some of the tips that my dad has given me about staying safe at a concert. I will also include a few that I’ve learned in my experience as a concert-promoter-turned-law-student and a few that I’ve learned from my sisters.
- My dad’s most important rule is to be alert. It’s important to know where you came in from, where the exits and security guards are, who’s around you and what’s going on.
- My little sister Elana would tell you to conceal your belongings. As someone who has had her wallet stolen at a concert, she knows how important it is to hide your valuables. I recommend putting money in your shoe or using a fanny pack if you have some other things you would like to bring with you.
- My older sister Dana would emphasize how important it is to stay hydrated and be nourished before you leave the house, even if you aren’t planning to consume alcohol. Going to a music event really does require a lot of energy and time and dehydration is one of the most common emergencies that I’ve seen as a concert promoter.
- My dad’s most annoying question growing up was “Who are you going with?” Now that I’m an adult, however, I understand why it’s important to go to crowded events with friends (especially the responsible ones). I am also a big fan of the “buddy system” for bathroom and concession trips; it’s easy to get lost and going alone makes you more of a target.
- Do not accept anything from a stranger and keep your drink in sight. Taking drugs or other potentially dangerous substances drastically reduces your safety at a concert. The worst thing one can do, however, is to take something from a stranger. If you are asked, it’s okay to politely decline. It is also very important to keep your drink in your hand or somewhere you can see it at all times. If you accidentally put it down, get a new one!
- Post-concert safety is equally as significant as concert safety. Make sure you secure a ride if you have been drinking or taking drugs. Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash (NHTSA). My dad always had a “no questions asked” rule with me and my sisters. Regardless of your situation, call someone if you need help or a safe ride home.
On behalf of my family and the staff at Edward M. Bernstein & Associates, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the attack on Monday evening. Although there are many things we cannot plan for, it is important we control the things we can.