Summer is here and all over the world, our favorite artists and bands are scheduled to perform in concerts and festivals. Summer is a time to dance with those closest to you. It is a time to enjoy your favorite performers ablaze on the stage where they sing their hearts out to your favorite tunes. It's a time to make memories with family and friends as you hear and echo every line of your favorite lyrics.

As we all enjoy these moments with our favorite artists, it’s also key to have a safety plan for uncomfortable and distressing situations that may happen. Below are a few ways you can reduce safety risks while enjoying your time:

• Having a portable charger is a must! A portable charger can help keep your phone and other devices charged so you can stay in contact with the people that you came with. Staying in contact and staying in connection is a great way to make sure you have someone nearby to meet up with you and to make sure they are safe as well. Or, if someone gets lost, being able to text or call them to find out their location is important. In addition, having a portable charger can help you be powered up to take photos and videos.
• When you and your friends arrive at the festival or concert, pick a meeting spot. This meeting spot can be anywhere at the concert venue. Try to pick a spot that has a landmark that is noticeable so if there is a time during the festival that you need to reconvene, you will know beforehand where your meeting spot is located so no one gets lost.
• Pick out safe code words to text your friends if you are uncomfortable. An example of a code word is rainbow, orange, or flying saucer. You can text this word to your friends and family members whenever you feel uncomfortable or need them to come beside you. Many times, concerts and festivals are tight and crowded. It is natural to feel anxious and nervous in crowds so having a safe word to text your friends can help you make sure you have access to people who make you feel safe.
• Notice and acknowledge your triggers beforehand. Being in a crowded space can make many people feel anxious. It can also increase symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stress, and flashbacks. When you notice and acknowledge your triggers beforehand, you can also pack things to help you feel grounded and safe when you get triggered. Pack water to hydrate yourself. Bring a backpack and pack your favorite fidget toy to fidget with if you feel anxiety coming. Grab your friend or family member's hand and feel them next to you. And remember, it is totally normal to feel anxious in these situations. Being prepared for a wide range of emotions in a crowded space is helpful to navigate anything that comes up.
• If you drink at the festival or concert, put a cover on your drink. If the venue does not offer lids, try putting a napkin over your drink or bring a cup of your own with a lid when filling up. Alcohol safety is important; don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t accept drinks or any other drugs from people you don’t know, and always trust your instincts.
• Stay hydrated. Some festivals and concerts tend to run all day so having a water bottle can help you stay hydrated for the duration of your event.
• Bring necessary medications. Having your medication on hand can help you in moments of emergency or where you may need additional help and that is okay!

These tips don't guarantee anything will happen and if something does, you're not at fault. Visit online.rainn.org to chat one-on-one with a trained RAINN support specialist, 24/7. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).