EMERGENCY CONTACT ON THE PLAYA
FAQ - Emergency contact on the playa
Q: What if friends or family at home need to reach me for an emergency?
A: Unfortunately, given the nature of the event, finding a participant
on the playa is usually quite challenging. Cell phones don't work, and
people don't generally have satellite phones. There is but limited
internet access. Now add the fact that addresses on the playa are
inexact even if you do know where you're camping ahead of time, and
finding a person's camp can become very difficult. Preparation will help
you stay in touch in an emergency.
Q: How can friends or family send me a message?
A: Emergency messages should be sent to 911(at)burningman.com . The message will be passed to the Black Rock Rangers, who will do their best to deliver it. We will also make the message available at Playa Info in Center Camp, so if you're awaiting news or expecting emergency transmissions, you might want to plan to check in each day.
Q: What details should be included in an emergency message?
A: The message should include first and last name, as well as any known
nickname that you might go by around camp. It should also include the
name of your theme camp or other affiliation (volunteer team, etc.), and
its location if known, along with your vehicle make/license plate and
any other unique features that will help with the search (such as, "camp
has a 20 foot inflatable duck," etc.)
Q: What can prevent me from getting the message?
A: Just a few of the variables that can get in the way: your camp
relocates, or nobody's ever in camp when we come seek you out; your
camp spot is obscured from view by other camps; the 20 foot inflatable
duck deflates due to a leak; there are three camps with 20-foot
inflatable ducks, and none of the neighbors know anyone named "Chris"
because you have been introducing yourself all week as "Captain
Underpants, Lord of the Duck People!" You get the picture.
In other words, you're heading to the middle of the desert, and there is no guarantee that we'll be able to deliver a message in an emergency; it's important to weigh that before you leave home. If you are awaiting news, you can actively check in at Playa Info, and in truly dire circumstances, you can take the bus into Gerlach to use the pay phone there.
Any further questions can be addressed to 911(at)burningman(dot)com.
