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Tailgating Safety Tips
T
he best way to tailgate is safely, so you can spend your time focusing on fun. The Clemson University Police Department shared some tips they recommend to Clemson’s faculty, staff, students and visitors to stay safe and smart on game day. The Clemson P.D. calls the following 6 tips good security habits. They are something all tailgaters can practice regularly to both help safeguard property and to avoid becoming victims of crime.
We can’t help but be reminded of our own vulnerability as we head out to parking lots across college football and the NFL this fall. And we aren’t the only ones. Teams are taking a closer look at their security practices. In the case of national football powerhouse Clemson, a school with a legendary tailgating tradition, gameday security has been beefed up both inside the stadium and out. The preseason No. 1 and defending national champion Clemson has implemented a comprehensive metal detector policy this fall, for starters. There are now metal detectors at each gate at Memorial Stadium, the 80,000-seat venue better known as Death Valley. “The safety and security of our fans is absolutely the top priority for what we do,” said Jeff Kallin, Clemson associate athletic director for communications
1. Secure your valuables. Keep all valuable possessions—such as phones, wallets and purses—with you at all times or lock them in your car. Don’t leave them visible. 2. Do not leave valuables unattended. If you set up televisions, radios, grills, coolers, games, etc… PLEASE, leave someone with these items if you are planning to attend the football game.
and strategic initiatives. “Not only just our fans but our coaches, our staff, our student-athletes—anybody that’s in that stadium or anywhere around Clemson.” Clemson still allows “pass-outs” which means fans can leave the stadium to go back to the parking lots during the game and still get back into the stadium. That’s on top of the 10,000 to 20,000 people estimated to arrive on campus to tailgate without having tickets to the game. “We’ve seen a number of incredibly tragic events over the course of the last 10 to 15 years,” Kallin said. “Even here in the last year, it’s something that we’re constantly reminded of, of making sure that the response of ‘that can’t happen here’ is no longer an acceptable response. (Your security policy) has got to be proactive. We need to do everything that we can in as many ways as we can to make sure that people are safe.”
3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher and First Aid Kit on Hand. The university has first responders on campus but having these items handy can make a difference in possibly saving a life or preventing further damage. 4. Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to report suspicious activities, packages or people, such as: • A person or persons you see going from tailgate to tailgate. • A person or persons standing around for a long period of time and is not with a tailgate or group. • If you see something, say something. 5. Don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver with your tailgating party. 6. While having fun in the sun, please monitor alcohol intake. Too much alcohol in the heat can cause dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Alcohol combined with high temperatures means your body may not be able to regulate its own temperature effectively. Make sure you are also drinking plenty of water.
Check out more Fans & Thrills at www.insidetailgating.com
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