NIGHTCLUB DANGERS: What You Need To Know Before Going Out On The Town

There are real dangers that we seldom think about

What could be the common denominator in being injured or killed by a fire or in a shooting? Surprisingly enough, a night out on the town with friends. That’s right, as crazy as it sounds. Being seriously injured or killed because of an establishment’s failure to protect you is more common that you think. So with New Year’s Eve right around the corner, I want to broach the topic of being injured or killed in an accident or purposeful event so that you can protect yourself.
Nightclub fires are a real threat

On Friday December 2, 2016, a fire broke out at a warehouse in Oakland, California where an electronic music event was taking place. The aftermath of this horrific, preventable tragedy is that numerous party-goers were killed and injured in the fire. Everyone attending assumed that they were safe and that they would go home at the end of the night. They did not know that escaping a fire down a single set of stairs would be impossible. They did not think about whether or not the venue had a fire sprinkler system or alarms. They certainly did not think about whether or not the venue was up to code and had obtained all of the permits that were needed in order to hold the event. We simply assume that if a nightclub or bar is in business or if a venue is being used that someone else has made sure that we are safe. DO NOT MAKE THIS ASSUMPTION! There are numerous examples of unsafe venues and clubs that have lead to the death of their patrons when fires breakout. It is my opinion that every single one of these tragedies was preventable but, more importantly, the odds of survival in every event could have been significantly increased through awareness and preparation on the part of each individual patron.

Nightclub shootings are more common than you think

On June 12, 2016, the worst mass shooting in the United States occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando Florida, killing 49 people and injuring dozens of others. It would be easy to simply say this is a once in a lifetime tragic event that could never happen to me. But if you really listen, you will pick up on story after story of shootings both inside and outside of nightclubs and bars. They happen all the time and for everyone who is “at the wrong place at the wrong time” being aware and prepared is your best defense.

If we think about it logically, when we are out with friends at a bar or nightclub we generally aren’t paying too much attention to our surroundings. We focus on our friends and we are focused on having fun. Typically bars and nightclubs, especially nightclubs, are loud and dark. The music is pumping. People are dancing, laughing, and talking. Bodies are smashed together as people crowd the bar or dance floor. There’s just lots going on that’s fun and exciting, so that’s where our focus is.

How to have fun and be safe

So should we all just stay home? No, of course not. Life is about experiences. Life is about friends and family. Life is about fun! So you should certainly not stay home. But you should be smart, prepared, and aware of your surroundings.

You know how when you get on an airplane and the flight attendant goes through the safety briefing and tells you where all the exits are and what to do in case of an emergency? You know how you never listen to that safety briefing? Well, I’m telling you to listen. It could save your life. Below are tips that I think are helpful and could be the difference.

Read the full article here:  http://blogs.lawyers.com/attorney/personal-injury/nightclub-dangers-what-you-need-to-know-before-going-out-on-the-town-39111/