Amdavadis’ safety check-list for Navratri

With days coming closer to the most awaited dance festival of the state,along with the festivity, it is time to give some thought to the security question. AT takes a look at what one should keep in mind while going out during Navratri.
PERSONAL SAFETYPersonal safety is one of the most important issue and there is a lot attached to it than just letting your parents know about your whereabouts.
■ Installing safety apps to make sure your parents or friends know where exactly you are and in time of trouble they can come forward to help you is just a step towards your well-being. Karan Desai, organizer of a renowned garba committee says, “We have metal detectors and bouncers at the entrance and it is completely on us who we allow to enter at the venue. We take care to avoid any untoward situation and have been successful in our efforts.”
■ One should also be careful about checking what you consume. Eating something offered by someone unknown is a bad idea.
■ It is important to check the surroundings because venues will have pickpockets. Also, once you are out of the venue, drive back home safely. “We have strict checking after the garba gets over, at the venue as well as at the various cross roads to make sure that everything goes smooth,” says Girdhar Patel, security in-charge, Ahmedabad city police.
■ Put your family on the speed dial or SOS.“I save the number of our nearest police station,in case of emergency I have their number in the speed dial list along with my dad's number,” says Sunidhi Jain, a garba enthusiast.
■ While dancing do not keep money or wallets unattended; even in the middle of your dance circle.
■ Being with people you know and not wearing real jewelry is another step towards safety.
SAFETY OF BELONGINGS
■ Leaving behind important things like money and important documents in the car is a bad idea. There have been cases of car breaking.
SAFETY OF A LOCKED HOUSE
■ However important you feel it is to let the world know about where you are dancing, it is only wise to not check-in on social networking sites. You being away means the house is locked and you are inviting trouble for yourself.
■ If you have stay at home neighbors one can always inform them that the house will be locked for a few hours.“Instead of taking keys to the venue,we usually give the keys to our neighbors,” says Heena Shah, a garba enthusiastic.. One might drop keys at the venue while dancing, so it’s safer to leave your keys with someone responsible.
SAFETY PROTECTION For women,it is important to have a pepper spray.And in general it helps to be alert.
— With inputs from Gopi.Shah@timesgroup.com