CULLMAN, Ala. – What has been dubbed the “Biggest Party in the South” is set to return to the backroads and county turns of Cullman County this Thursday-Saturday, July 18-20. The venue is almost complete for Rock the South 2024, and safety preparations are well underway.
The Cullman Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and other public safety agencies have been busy making plans and back-up plans for the three-day festival. Largely, traffic safety, alcohol overconsumption and heat-related illnesses are considered the biggest safety concerns.
With Alabama well into summertime, temps for the coming weekend are predicted to be in the upper 80s to 90s. Heat-related illnesses should be taken seriously, and proper hydration in the days leading up to and during exposure to high temperatures is paramount. Local physician Dr. Tyler Rushforth of Rushforth Family Practice shared some tips to stay safe and cool at Rock the South.
“Stay hydrated with water. Drink sports drinks to help replace electrolytes,” Rushforth said. “Eating salty snacks can help you replace the salt you lose through sweat.”
Taking a handheld fan, mister or cooling towel is helpful in the event of overheating. Clothing choice is also important. Rushforth said certain articles of clothing will help.
“Wearing loose-fitting and light-colored clothes can help mitigate the heat some,” he said. “Also, wearing a hat will help keep your head cooler and shade your face.”
First-aid services will be available on-site in the event of a medical emergency, provided by Cullman EMS and Cullman Fire Rescue.
Rushforth shared the immediate symptoms of a catastrophic heat-related illness, explaining, “Monitor yourself and others, especially the very old and very young, for signs of heat illness such as excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting or muscle cramps. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, move to a cool, air-conditioned space, drink water and put a cool towel on your face, head or neck. For more extreme symptoms of heat stroke, such as confusion, dizziness or unconsciousness, you should move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra (layers), cool their body with water or ice and call 911.”
Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta said that while instances of drunk driving do not necessarily increase during Rock the South, the increased number of motorists on the roads creates a greater chance of impaired drivers. The CPD will have more officers and patrol vehicles throughout the city to deter drunk drivers and create a visual deterrent to unsafe driving.
“I wish I could say that there is something that we could do to deter someone from driving while under the influence, but unfortunately, even with all the well-publicized laws, consequences and dangers of DUI, individuals still make a choice to do it,” said Nassetta. “The best that we can do is to identify those who are driving under the influence and prosecute them. We always suggest that if you are going to be drinking to make sure that someone in your group stays sober and can get you and whoever else is in your group home safely.”
Uber, Lyft and various private individuals will be available to transport concertgoers to vehicles and lodging areas.
Rock the South will take place July 18-20, at York Farms, 1872 County Road 469, Cullman, AL 35057. Buy tickets and get more info at www.RocktheSouth.com.
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