In terms of safety, the Mad Decent Block Party got off to a poor start last week.

As previously reported, two died and 20 were injured at Merriweather Post Pavilion during last weekend's EDM fest.

Seth Hurtwitz, who serves as the venue operator at the Pavilion, released a statement regarding the alarming rate of drug use at shows:

Our hearts go out to the family as they face the unimaginable. As a parent, it makes me horribly sad beyond words to think of a tragedy like this. We can spend every minute of the day making perfect sense to our children regarding the obvious perils of drugs, but sometimes it is impossible to convince them that this is relevant to their world. Youth feel invulnerable. Some refuse to believe they could be affected.

This drug epidemic is no longer confined to specific demographics, or time of day, or geography, or lifestyle. It's just everywhere and, and unfortunately, this generation of teens and 20-somethings has not learned this lesson yet. It's just heartbreaking. This particular type of incident is not the problem of those who should have known better...it's the problem of those too young to believe it could happen to them. Sadly we find ourselves in the classic position of trying to tell kids not to do something they think is fun.

This weekend, the festival is ramping up security with an extensive list of contraband. Thanks to EDM Sauce, you can read it here:

  • No Masks
  • No Illegal Substances
  • No Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
  • No Pets
  • No Massagers
  • No Laser Pointers
  • No LED Globes or LED Microlights used for Light shows
  • No Pacifiers
  • No Eyedrops
  • No Glass, Cans, Cups or Coolers
  • No markers, pens or spray paint
  • No large chains or spiked jewelry
  • No Stickers or Fliers
  • No Balloons, Balls, Inflatable Balls or Frisbees.
  • No tents, large umbrellas, beach chairs, or blankets.
  • No large purses or bags (Anything over 10″x10″)
  • No stuffed animals or dolls (including plush backpacks).
  • No Kandi Bracelets or Kandi Necklaces.
  • No candy including gum, lolly pops, sucking candy
  • No food or beverage of any kind.
  • No open packs of cigaraetters
  • No unsealed tampons... in case you felt like taking used tampons with you. or something.
  • No lawn chairs of any type
  • No weapons (including pocket knives, pepper spray, swords, guns)
  • No fireworks
  • No professional recording equipment
  • No Video Cameras or GoPros
  • No Toy weapons
  • Open containers of sun screen

Things you can bring:

  • Small Bags (the size of fanny packs and small clear bags)
  • EMPTY Plastic Water Bottles up to 20 oz
  • Empty Camel Backs
  • Small Personal Cameras
  • Lighters
  • Cell Phones
  • Earplugs
  • Sealed chapstick and lipgloss
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • Factory sealed sunscreen
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