SAFETY & COMMUNITY
BURNING MAN IS AN EXPERIMENT IN TEMPORARY COMMUNITY
Because many people only know a world shaped by institutions, service workers and commercial transactions, they may not even recognize the signs of a community. Here are a few indications:
Capacity
Communities are built on the recognition of the unique abilities of every member. Commerce and the public service sector define us on the basis of deficiency and need.
Collective Effort
Community is cooperative-uniting us as varied members of one body. When, by contrast, we consume a service, we're made passive. 50 million people may view a television program or consume a beverage in complete isolation from one another.
Informality
In the community, transactions of value take place without money, advertising, or hype. Care emerges in place of structured service.
Stories
In universities, people know through studies. In businesses and bureaucracies, people know by reports. In communities, people know by stories.
Celebration
Community activities incorporate celebration, parties and other social events. The line between work and play is blurred and the human nature of everyday life becomes part of the way you work. You will know that you are in a community if you often hear laughter and singing.
Load Your Vehicle Safely!!
Loading your vehicle properly, whether it is a car, truck, trailer, motor home, or anything being towed, will make your trip to and from Burning Man safer and less stressful. By applying some simple precautions, your load of stuff can be safe.
- Never exceed the load capacity or the towing capacity of the vehicle or trailer. Check the recommended (not the maximum) weights for your vehicles and do not exceed them.
- Load your vehicle safely. Heavy items should be located low, centered, and over or between the axles. Secure your load with straps or rope.
- Make sure that the brakes and lights work on the trailer you're towing. (This also applies to all your vehicles.)
- Always use safety chains, installed between the trailer and the tow vehicle.
- Do not overload the roof or roof rack on any vehicle. Large or bulky objects, even though they are lightweight, can make driving dangerous in cross winds.
- Have your brakes checked and, if necessary, overhauled on your vehicle and/or trailer.
- When towing a trailer, do not exceed the torque weight recommendations for the trailer and the hitch.
For a more thorough explanation of these recommendations visit the web site www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm. By following these recommendations and using some common sense your trip to Burning Man should be safe and smooth. Basic information on driving safety can be obtained from your state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Mutant Vehicle Safety
Citizens of Black Rock City have the opportunity to participate in the mutant vehicle experience. There are safety responsibilities that mutant vehicle participants (mutant vehicle artists, operators and passengers) must uphold together and individually.
Driver Responsibilities for Safety:
- Passengers need to be able to get off and on safely. Come to a complete stop before anyone gets on or off an mutant vehicle.
- Drive safely. Respect the speed limit (5 mph with NO DUST). Do not drive erratically (swerving; stopping and starting quickly).
Vehicle Integrity & Mechanical Characteristics
Physical Integrity Means:
- Any fluids leaking from the vehicle must be caught in a pan and properly disposed of.
- There are rails for people to hold onto.
- The vehicle is structurally safe for passengers and the driver.
- Vehicle body alterations do not pose potential bodily harm.
mutant vehicles must have the following mechanical characteristics:
- Controllable speed
- A reasonable turning radius
- Safe mechanical operation
A standard of structural and mechanical integrity must be met for your mutant vehicle to be licensed. A standard of safety applies to all mutant vehicles at all times. A violation of public safety could result in immediate eviction from the event without refund.
Passenger Responsibilities:
- Do not board or exit from a moving vehicle.
- If the vehicle doesn't look safe, don't get on. Listen to what your instinct tells you.
If you are feeling uncomfortable as a passenger, you have the right to get off the vehicle at any time.
Emergency Medical Care
If you or someone you know (or encounter) requires medical assistance, contact a Black Rock Ranger or an Emergency Services volunteer or visit our medical station in Center Camp or at the Emergency Services Outposts a block out from the Civic Plazas located at 3 and 9 o'clock. Trained emergency medical personnel are on duty 24 hours a day, and emergency evacuation is available. According to our medical staff, the most common problems are dehydration, and lacerations from stepping or tripping on unprotected rebar or tent stakes. Please avoid injury and act responsibly.
Personal Safety
Though Black Rock City is a place built on community and cooperation, this fact does not mean its citizens are protected from the ministrations of those among us with bad intentions. It is important that you maintain awareness of your personal safety at the event. Secure your valuables when away from camp. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and your local Black Rock Ranger; work together to keep your neighborhood secure. It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going if you wander off alone or with a new friend, and to check in frequently. Make new friends, but be alert to the actions of those you meet. Be cautious about accepting unknown drinks from open containers. Most importantly, use and trust your best instincts.
Keeping in Touch
Burning Man Information Radio is at 94.5 FM, broadcasting critical travel, emergency and general information, all the time. Get the REAL news 24-7, weather, events and Black Rock City information. In case of emergency, tune into BMIR, 94.5 FM. Stop by Playa Info and record your events for broadcasting by PI between 12 PM and 4 PM daily. Tell the city what you're up to, live!
Telephone Service
Cell phones do not work in the Black Rock Desert. Public telephones are available in the town of Gerlach, 12 miles away. Bring a calling card.
Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV)
Black Rock City is designed for pedestrians and bicycles. Recreational driving is prohibited; be prepared to drive your vehicle to your campsite and leave it there during the event. mutant vehicles are the exception to this rule; they are art on wheels, an important piece of the art and community experience at Burning Man. The Black Rock City Department of Mutant Vehicles is the licensing body for mutant vehicles. Based on size and design, licensed mutant vehicles are allowed to move on specified streets and in certain areas, or during specified times. In addition to mutant vehicles, the DMV licenses wind-powered vehicles that meet Black Rock City requirements. Look for the DMV behind Playa Info in Center Camp. For more information, contact: DMV or visit www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/playa_vehicles/dmv.html. Unmodified vehicles intended for recreational driving, including motorcycles, ATVs, quad runners, and golf carts, are not allowed to enter Black Rock City. If a motorcycle is your sole means of transportation, you may enter the city and park it at your campsite.
Airport
Black Rock Airport begins operation on August 25 to welcome aviators from around the world flying to Burning Man. Pilots should check the website at burningman.com/on_the_playa/airport for more information and landing procedures, and contact the Airport Manager at Airport Manager or (408) 297-9795. Remember to have your ticket easily at hand upon arrival.
Bicycles
Bicycles are not merely a convenience in Black Rock City, they have become a necessity. Large artworks now fill a space that extends one mile outward from our settlement. The streets that ring our city are more than two miles long! If you wish to avoid sunstroke and hope to participate in at least some significant part of the activities at Burning Man, we strongly urge you to bring a bicycle equipped with a light and a lock to secure it. You'll be happiest if you don't bring your best bike to the playa. Do not leave your "beater" behind when you go home.
Freedom & the Media
The media are a part of our experience on the playa. Freedom of the press dictates that we cannot exclude them, nor would we want to-they are our opportunity to impact the world by illustrating what we do together as a community. Reporting and documenting is a form of expression. However, we do limit the number of video crews that we approve to film at the event. Those approved to film are pledged not to interfere with your experience. Should you feel that someone toting a camera is creating a nuisance, contact a Black Rock Ranger.
Commercial use of still images taken at Burning Man is forbidden without express permission. All professional photographers with intent to receive compensation for a Burning Man image (including editorial or gallery) must check in with Media Mecca. Pre-event, photographers should contact the hotline, or send an email to press for permission. All motion-capturing video and film cameras must be registered, whether for personal or professional purposes. There is no filming without express permission. Professional media will receive a specific camera tag, indicating that they've registered with Media Mecca and been informed of our community expectations for filming.
Should you encounter a problem, approach and ask for their tag number, and report it to a Media Mecca volunteer or a Black Rock Ranger. Those filming or videotaping for personal use must sign a use agreement, which indicates the footage will not be professionally distributed. This protects the privacy rights of participants. This Personal Use Agreement can be obtained at the Gate, or obtained and turned in at the Greeters Station, Playa Info, and Black Rock Ranger Outposts in the Civic Plazas.
Commerce and Concessions
The sale of products is prohibited within our community. Bring what you need. The display of commercial logos or banners, or distribution of commercial promotional items, is also prohibited. Sales of handmade items and food items "in order to cover costs of the trip" are not allowed. There is NO vending. Ask your neighbors should you need a specific item. Confront your own survival. This is not a consumer event. Although ice will be available for purchase on-site, these proceeds are used to support several Gerlach and Empire community groups.
Participation
If you want to broaden your participation in the event, there are ample volunteer opportunities. Visit Playa Info in Center Camp. Ours is a society of activists. When we see a job that needs to be done, we are inclined to roll up our sleeves and pitch in. Keep this in mind: there is no "they", only "us." Burning Man is a 100% participant-funded and staffed event. Sadly, there are always a few people who just don't get it. These folks believe that the mystical "they" will appear to provide for their needs and clean up their mess. Help us instruct them. If you see someone acting irresponsibly, introduce yourself and speak up. Also, don't be a "participation snob". Just because someone isn't costumed or visibly participating doesn't mean they aren't contributing.
Noise Control
Sound travels on the playa, and not everyone will want to sleep when you do. Be advised that the only reliable way to get a quiet, uninterrupted night's sleep is to bring earplugs. If you use an amplified audio system at your camp, the volume must be held to reasonable levels. The maximum power amplification is 300 watts. If a problem with sound levels continues after sufficient requests and warning, the source of power for such device or system may be disabled. The hum of generators can become annoying over a long period of time. Please keep your neighbors in mind. We recommend generators that are sound insulated. Do NOT dig a trench to sound-insulate your generator.
Burning Etiquette
The burning of public structures, such as lampposts or bulletin boards, is prohibited. Likewise, the burning of other people's artwork is also forbidden. Individual artists have the sole right to burn their own creation. Do NOT burn other people's property! If you witness such vandalism, please inform a Black Rock Ranger. You may burn your art on our Community Burn Platforms located at the front of our city, at the end of every third latitudinal street. Don't forget to collect and remove your own ashes. (See Protecting the Environment for more information.)
RC Hobbyists
If you are planning to bring any sort of radio controlled model, vehicle, or art installation to BRC this year, please contact Ben with the radio frequency and channel number you will be operating under. Radio channel conflicts must be avoided at all costs to prevent loss of control of an RC project. An out of control model/vehicle/art piece can cause serious damage to people or property, so it is important that RC'ers help us organize regarding radio use. If you have an RC art piece, please inform the Art Team, or contact a team member at the Artery in Center Camp.
Walk-In Camping
A marked area immediately behind the south side of Black Rock City will be reserved for walk-in camping. You will need to leave your vehicle, and portage your belongings to your chosen spot. No vehicles or RV's will be allowed in the walk-in camping area. The sheer difficulty of this exercise will keep the area sparsely populated, and your efforts will be rewarded with solitude not available in other parts of the city.
Early Arrivals
Our city opens on Monday, August 25th at 12:01 AM. Do not come to the event site before that time. We are not ready to receive participants before the event begins: we haven't finished building the city. By order of the BLM stipulations, those on site before the event starts must be part of the permitted set up process.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive in our city at night, and do not know where to camp, we recommend you stay in Temporary Camping until morning. You will NOT find your friends by cruising and are likely to inadvertently camp in a reserved space, and you may create a hazard for others. You can get information and find your way more safely by the light of day.
Public Information
In a community rich with artists, pranksters and storytellers, rumors abound. Accurate information about events, scheduling, public safety and other vital concerns can be obtained through our in-camp information resources: the WhatWhereWhen, Digital Directory on PlayaNet kiosks, the Black Rock Gazette, and through regular news bulletins on Burning Man Information Radio (94.5 FM).
Information and Lost & Found
Questions should be directed to Playa Info in Center Camp. This highly informed crew has a wealth of info about events, volunteering, camp placement, found items, special camp placement (Kidsville, Alternative Energy Zone, etc.). Anything found on the playa should be turned in to Playa Info. If someone is answering questions after hours (generally 9 AM -6 PM unless otherwise posted), accuracy can not be guaranteed-accept or believe it at your own risk.
Find Your Friends
There are several methods of locating your friends at Playa Info in Center Camp. The Dynamic Board will map camp site coordinates for future arrivals. The Digital Directory and Burning Bell Messaging Center let you leave addresses and messages for your friends. The Bulletin Boards are always available for events, messages and general information, however, they are not the most effective nor reliable means of leaving messages for friends.
Civic Plazas
Two Civic Plazas are located on either side of the city at 3 and 9 o'clock. These Plazas are mini civic centers, designed to serve the same community functions as the Center Camp. They are public gathering spaces, inviting art, performance, installations,
Paiute Tribal Land & Pyramid Lake
On your way to Burning Man, you pass through the Paiute tribal land. Every year we affect the Paiute tribe's resources whether it's a car accident or a swim in Pyramid Lake. Be aware that Burning Man participants impact the Paiute community. Please be respectful. There are no services for the 60 miles between Nixon & Empire (no gas, no water). You can get gas at the new Nixon General Store in Nixon.
While on tribal land in and around Pyramid Lake, PERMITS ARE REQUIRED. Pulling off the road to swim, hike, take a break from driving and overnight camp require a permit. They are only $5; please do your part and purchase a permit before using the Paiute land. The I-80 Smoke Shop in Wadsworth is the most convenient location for Northbound Burners to purchase a permit. You can purchase permits in other Nevada towns including Reno, Sparks, Fernley, Nixon, and Sutcliffe. Please see the Burning Man website for locations. For more information about the Paiute tribe and their land, please visit www.plpt.nsn.us. There are several great stops in Sutcliffe: the Pyramid Lake Ranger Station, Sutcliffe Marina & Store (which has maps, gas and supplies), Pyramid Lake Store (half a mile south of Sutcliffe Marina) and the Visitors Center. Don't miss the interpretive installation.
Hot Springs
Our numbers have grown, and the potential for strain on the surrounding environment has also grown. During Burning Man, participants are banned from using the local hot springs. A special environmental team of Earth Guardians working with the BLM will be assigned to patrol and protect these fragile resources. Email Earth Guardians for more information.
Rental Trucks & Corporate Logos
Corporate advertising is not allowed at Burning Man. Participants with rental trucks are encouraged to cover or decorate prominent logos. The display or distribution of corporate banners, corporate logos, giveaway items, samples, and other such paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.
In-and-Out Policy
Movement of cars is a safety hazard, and protection of the environment is of paramount importance to Burning Man. Casual traffic in and out of Black Rock City is strongly discouraged. Participants who leave and return by personal vehicle will be required to pay $20 per person and must have a ticket stub for re-entry. The strongly encouraged alternative is our community bus service that travels between Black Rock City and the nearby towns of Gerlach and Empire. Tickets and the schedule for the bus shuttle will be available in Center Camp for $5. You must be sober, dressed appropriately for town and you must carry your event ticket stub and wear the wristband issued to you when you purchase a bus ticket. Arrive for your ticket early as the trips are often full. Busses run from 10 AM- 6 PM on Wednesday, 9 AM-6 PM Thursday & Friday and 9 AM-3 PM Saturday.
RVs
You are welcome to bring a recreational vehicle. Be aware, however, that there is no dumping station on-site, and you will not be allowed to dump on the playa-the BLM does issue citations for the dumping of gray or black water. RV servicing will be available for a $45 fee for trailers up to 24' in length and $55 for one gray and one black tank for RVs that are 25'-35' in length. Each additional tank is $25. Please note that our potty vendor only accepts cash so think ahead. Sign up for the service at the vendor's booth at Playa Info, between the hours of 11 AM and 1 PM daily. You must have a contact person available to meet the pump-truck at your RV. If you see a truck designated 'RV Servicing', you can flag them down for service, but signing up at Playa Info is strongly recommended. Keep a space clear for the truck to access your RV; pump hoses cannot reach beyond 30 feet. On-playa pumping services include removal of gray and black water, and re-charging of non-potable water only to allow the toilet to flush. You can have your potable water tank recharged for a fee of $40. Be considerate of your neighbors when running your generator. Use only one-ply toilet paper. For additional information, visit the Survival Guide section of the website and read RV Survival Tips.
Toilets
Portable toilets will be provided, and will be emptied regularly. Use these facilities only for their intended purpose-not for dumping garbage. Putting anything but human waste and one-ply toilet paper into the portable toilets makes pumping nearly impossible and threatens the survival of the Burning Man event. This includes tampons, trash, and handy wipes. Put the lid down when you're done-it helps keep odors under control. Please do not defecate on the playa; it is an unpleasant mess for everyone, especially for those who restore the playa after the event. Do not dump gray water in the potties, doing so will fill them up much faster than normal and result in nasty potties for all. For tips on dealing conscientiously with your gray water, see the Survival Guide section of the Burning Man web page. Live this mantra: If it wasn't made by your body, don’t put it in the potty!
Exodus
An exercise in patience and cooperation
As you drive to Burning Man along that small two-lane country highway, observe its narrow, finite capacity. Now imagine 10,000 vehicles trying to leave Black Rock City in one day. Like draining a bathtub with a straw, it will take time. Cooperate with the Exodus staff directing traffic. Keep the spirit alive!
Suggestions
- Get gas and other supplies on the way to Black Rock City. Our biggest problem is everyone trying to stop in Gerlach and Empire on the way out, causing huge jams and backups.
- Don't leave Monday afternoon. This is our busiest time.
- Agree to have each vehicle in your camp leave at different times and spread this time out as much as possible. We recommend 2-3 hour intervals.
- Tune into Burning Man Information Radio at 94.5 FM for detailed traffic reports.
We're recruiting dozens of volunteers to help direct traffic on Sunday and Monday, and bid a friendly goodbye to everyone. Come to Playa Info in Center Camp during the festival for information on how to help out. Off the playa, you can email us here. Camps encircling the Plazas are encouraged to participate creatively in making the Plazas inviting. Each Plaza will contain public burn barrels, and participants will find Emergency Services Outposts, Black Rock Ranger Outposts, and a bike repair theme camp nearby.
There is additional, extended Survival Guide information
on our website on subjects ranging from generator etiquette and Rebar
101 to RV tips and relationship survival. Please visit the Survival Guide
in the Preparation Section.
