Are You Ready for Some Football Safety Tips?

Football season is a time for team spirit and camaraderie. Whether you spend the season in front of the TV or with thousands of your personal friends at the stadium, don’t let careless mishaps, overexcitement or criminal intent fumble your fun. No matter where you watch the game, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Dress for the weather, not the TV cameras. Be prepared for whatever’s in the forecast. That may mean sunscreen, it may mean wool blankets, or it may mean both! Wear layers that shed easily as waving and cheering warm you up. Wear shoes that will keep you comfortable through hours of jumping, standing, climbing concrete stairs and searching for your car.
    
2. Be patient and courteous in the parking lot, both before and after the game. Have an idea of where you’ll park before you leave home, and have a couple of backups in mind in case that lot is full. Don’t park in an area that may be dangerous when the game gets out and it’s dark. And, remember where you park. Maybe you’d better write it down or take a picture. Or, if you have a receipt with your spot number, put it somewhere easy to find and hard to lose.
    
3. Don’t drink excessively. If you plan to drink at all, arrange your designated driver well ahead of time. Or, take public transportation directly to your destination. When you do imbibe, be sure to drink plenty of water, too, and have plenty of food in your stomach. Most of all, know your limit and stick to it. Even though you have a designated driver, those stadium stairs can be steep. Consider spending the fourth quarter drinking water. And, don’t forget to show some love to your designated driver. Bring him or her nachos with all the toppings, or the premium slice of pizza.
   
   If you’re hosting friends at your own home, you won’t have to drive, but they might. Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks. If someone doesn’t have a designated driver arranged, call them a cab or reserve them a spot on the couch.
    
4. Keep your valuables safe, whether you’re at the stadium or at your local pub. Stow wallets, purses and mobile phones where they can’t be lifted without attracting your attention. Don’t leave them unattended when you go to the restroom. And, remember that many stadiums have restrictions on the size and type of bag you can bring inside. Check your stadium’s requirements before leaving home to avoid issues.
    
5. Be considerate of others. Always good advice, and it goes double when emotions run high and rivalries are out in the open. Watch your language, and not just because of the youngsters nearby. Respect all those around you and don’t engage with others’ taunts. The conflict belongs on the field, not in the stands.
    
6. Stick together. Make a football game safety plan for everyone in your group. Be sure everyone has their own ticket stub and knows how to find your seats. Mobile phones should be charged ahead of time. Don’t let your children wander unescorted, no matter how familiar they are with the stadium.
    
7. Pay attention to your surroundings. If someone or something in the stadium is making you uncomfortable or poses a threat, remove your entire group from the vicinity and report the activity to the nearest stadium safety personnel. Know where the exits are, both in parking garages and in stadiums, and stay calm if you do need to exit due to an emergency.
    
8. Stay calm once it’s all over. No matter what mood you’re in after the game, remain aware of what’s around you as you exit the stadium and walk to your car or bus stop. In crowds, avoid jams and choke points. Keep your valuables secured. Note the traffic signals or officer’s hand signs before you cross an intersection. And, once you’re in your car or on the bus, take a deep breath and remember that it’s more important to get home safely than to get home quickly. The latter might not be all that feasible anyway!

Your team’s looking good this season. With these safety tips, your season is looking even better!