Are Underground Raves and Warehouse Parties Really Dangerous?
At a recent "Warehouse Party" in Los Angeles, ten people were senselessly shot - two fatally. Similar impromptu parties, concerts and dances at "underground" sites have led to armed robbery, life-threatening physical injury, sexual assaults - and worse.
There's a self-serving reason the unnamed promoters of these events are using abandoned and sometimes contaminated industrial properties, often deemed unfit for human occupancy - and the LAFD and LAPD want you to know why.
Sometimes bribing the on-site security guard or acquiring one-night access to a property under false pretenses, the event organizer is focused 100% on taking your money, and 0% on your safety and enjoyment.
There are no inspections for safety or health issues related to what you touch, breathe, eat or drink, no insurance and frankly, no accountability whatsoever.
You would think the hazards would be obvious, but often they are not, until it is too late.
Dimly or unlit rooms, wobbly stairs, improvised restrooms, no smoke alarms or fire extinguishers, unsealed elevator shafts, chained exit doors, contaminated water, tainted food, drink and pharmaceuticals, violent theft, and haphazard electric service from severely overloaded generators, are but a few of the common dangers we see at these often purposely oversold "secret" events.
There are thankfully many well established top-tier event venues across the City of Los Angeles. These regularly inspected and certified facilities feature a broad variety of entertainment, while focusing on your safety, comfort and enjoyment - assuring you have a night you'll never forget, for all the right reasons.
Please know the dangers of raves, warehouse parties and underground events. If you see an event, venue or promoter that is putting lives at risk, don't hesitate to report your observations anonymously at any time to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.