SURVIVAL GUIDE : BURNING SEED 2011 

You are responsible for your own safety, survival and comfort as you approach, once you enter and as you leave Burning Seed.

Above and beyond the provision for individual survival, everyone is requested to help ensure our collective survival by following very basic rules relating to public safety and community wellbeing. Everyone is expected to abide by these standards. Community membership is a privilege. Violation of these requirements could result in ejection from the community.

Please read this survival guide and make sure everyone in your group reads it as well.

Index

1. The Ten Principles

2. Radical self-reliance – what do I bring?

3. Getting there and away – directions, arrival, entry, departure

4. Seed site – what, where, how

5. Volunteers – who does what?

6. Community in action – being a good burner

7. Fire safety

8. Health and safety

9. Security

10. Environment - leave no trace

1. The Ten Principles

Burning Seed is Australia’s official regional Burning Man event. It is an experiment in temporary community and its culture is guided by the following ten principles.

Radical Inclusion

Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

Gifting

Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.

Decommodification

In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.

Radical Self-reliance

Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

Radical Self-expression

Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.

Communal effort

Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.

Civic responsibility

We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with Australian laws.

Leaving No Trace

Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.

Participation

Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.

Immediacy

Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

2. Radical self-reliance – what do I bring?

Every participant must bring all they need to survive for 5 days in an area that can be prone to cold, wet and wind at this time of year. This means enough water, food, adequate shelter, tickets and clothing. Everyone in your vehicle must meet these conditions of entry.

Your survival depends on you reading and following these lists:

What you must bring:

• Your ticket and photo ID. You will not be allowed to enter without your ticket & personal ID. No exceptions.
• Six litres of water per person per day (for drinking, showering, washing and food preparation).
• Enough food and beverages for yourself and any dependents.
• Rainproof clothing and shelter. Extra changes of dry clothes in waterproof storage. Be prepared for rain.
• Warm jacket and hat for the cool nights.
• Bedding and shelter. A good camp tent is recommended along with warm sleeping bags.
• Rubbish bags, crates or boxes prepacked with goods you are taking in are useful for packing out when it’s time to go.
• Torches and spare batteries (headlamps are useful) to be sure you can see and be seen at night. Glowsticks, EL wire and LEDs are good for making yourself visible and an opportunity to be creative at night!
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, as days can be warm and the midday sun can still be strong enough to burn.
• Insect repellent.
• First aid kit.
• Any required prescriptions, contact lens supplies and whatever else you need to maintain your personal health, hygiene and comfort. 

We strongly suggest you bring:

• Shade, wind and rain structures.
• A raincoat and/or umbrella.
• A cooking stove if you expect to heat food or liquid.
• An esky to keep food and drinks cold.
• Earplugs! (Not everyone is going to want to sleep when you do).
• Watertight protective bags for clothing, cameras or electronic gear.
• Smokers: portable ashtrays (eg mint tin that doesn’t leak ashes, or film canister).
• Costumes, musical instruments, props, banners, signs and anything else you can think of that might make the experience more fun for you and your neighbours.
• Camp marker (flag, flasher, distinctive marking).
• Extra set of car keys (keys are easily lost!). 

Helpful things to bring:

• Sewing kit
• Rope and/or string
• Ribbons, coloured material, etc, to mark tent ropes/guy lines
• Handy wipes
• Gaffa tape
• Gifts to give to new friends 

Things NOT to bring:

• Glass containers of any kind, if at all avoidable
• Feathers of any kind eg, boas (They shed, no matter what you do – try marabou instead)
• Excess packaging from foods (For example, remove outer box from cereals and just bring inner bag)
• Loose glitter
• Nuts in their shells
• Anything that will break up and make a mess
• Styrofoam eskies (they don’t hold up and will break into a million bits)
• Explosives, aerial flares, firearms of any kind – air rifles, paint ball guns etc.
• Dogs or other pets

3. Getting there and away

How Do I Get There?

Directions to the site will be available once you have purchased your ticket. Check for signs as you approach the event.

We suggest car-pooling where possible to minimise cars travelling to the burn. Check out the Ride Share forum on burningmanaustralia.com

Early arrivals

Burning Seed opens on midday Wednesday 9^th November. PRE REGISTERED volunteers, theme camps, and art installations may arrive from Monday 7^th November. You MUST have received permission to arrive early from the event staff. All others will be turned away. We are not ready to receive participants before the event begins because we haven’t finished building the infrastructure.

When arriving, be aware that you may be required to wait at the gate as others collect their tickets and are welcomed. Please be patient. If there is a queue, you will be directed to a holding bay area. Pull your vehicle as far to the side of the road as possible to leave room for through traffic.

Tickets & entry

You are required to produce a ticket to enter Burning Seed. Tickets may be purchased beforehand online and at selected ticket outlets, with a limited number available for sale at the gate. General tickets purchased online must be printed out by the purchaser, in the form of a barcoded ticket, before attending the burn.

Kids aged 17 and over are required to have a general ticket for entry. Kids aged 16 and under may be admitted entry with a kid's ticket, which is purchased at our admission gate for a token amount of $5. Please note these important requirements:

• Kids under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or legal guardian.

• Kids under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or legal guardian at all times.

• Violation of our community’s basic rules or any violent antisocial behaviour can result in revocation of your ticket and ejection from Burning Seed without refund.

Our admission gate will be open from midday Thursday June 9th to 2pm Sunday June 12th. Please note that no general entry to the event will be possible after 2pm Sunday.

Upon arrival at our village, your tickets will be processed by our gate staff after which you will be met by Burning Seed greeters, who will check for the following:

• That your tickets have been processed.

• That you have enough water and food.

• That you don’t have any prohibited items (What’s prohibited? Pets, fire arms, air rifles, paint ball guns, flares, fireworks, etc)

Everyone in your vehicle must meet these conditions of entry.

In-and-out policy

Casual traffic in and out of Burning Seed is strongly discouraged. We ask that once you are at the Seed you remain for the duration to fully immerse yourself in the community and enhance the experience for all.

Participants who leave and return by personal means will be required to pay a fee of $20 per person. It is suggested that if you absolutely must go to town, you group with others, make a list and send one person, thus minimising the cost to yourself.

Leaving the burn

Please don’t drive until you are ready. There may be breathalysers on the way out. We have added an extra day to the end of the event to ensure everyone has adequate time to recover after the man burns.

About the highways leading to the burn:

Speed limits are strictly enforced on the highways and both fixed and handheld speed cameras are in operation.

4. Seed site

Campfires

Due to state forest restrictions and our fire licence, individual campfires are not permitted. Fires will be restricted to registered artworks and the burning of the man.

Campervans

You are welcome to bring a campervan or recreational vehicle. Be aware, however, that there are no electricity hookups or dumping station on-site, and you will not be allowed to dump on the ground.

Generators

Thinking of bringing a generator to Burning Seed? Burning Seed can be a noisy place, no question about it. Music, laughter, questionable performance art, chanting, shouting, singing and drumming are all part of the experience.

Yet, while the drone of parties in the night is something we can all adapt to, the relentless brrrrraaaaaaaaappp of a noisy generator is quite another. Just as bad, the exhaust can be like sleeping inside a garage with the car running. Investigate other power sources first, such as solar, human or 12v batteries to determine if you really do need a generator.

Some art projects and theme camps may be provided electricity. If you absolutely must bring a generator, we ask that you follow these simple guidelines:

• Bring the quietest generator you can afford, and the smallest that will meet your actual needs. Larger generators are more difficult to transport, use more fuel and create more pollution.
• Don't run your generator late at night or early in the morning.
• Place the generator as far from other camps as possible.
• Cover your generator with a sound shield or baffle. Do NOT bury it to shield the noise. No matter how well it is filled afterwards, the hole leaves a tremendous gouge in the ground.
• Make sure people can't trip over any power cords.

Telephone Service

Mobile phones service at the site is minimal. We do, however, strongly encourage you to switch off your phone for the duration of the event. If you simply must use your phone, please be discreet for the sake of the other participants.

Ice sales

Ice is the one exception to the no-commerce rule at Burning Seed, out of obvious necessity. Ice can be purchased each afternoon at Centre Camp. Look out for the availability times in the What Where When guide or check at Centre Camp.

Information and lost and found

Anything found on the ground should be turned in to the volunteers at Village Info at Centre Camp or the Greeters station.

5. Volunteers - who does what

Burning Seed has a dedicated group of volunteers in attendance, who are there to help with the smooth running of things and deal with emergencies and issues as they arise. They can be seen around the village, on the gate or at the greeters station, handing out cups of tea, banging in nails and rescuing fair maidens from fire-breathing dragons.

There are many ways in which to volunteer. Checking out the forums will get you involved. If you are interested in volunteering, please go to volunteers (at) burningmanaustralia (dot) com and register your interest. The more the merrier!

Department of Public Works (DPW)

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is the group that plans, surveys, builds and takes down the basic infrastructure of our temporary community. DPW work hand-in-hand with other departments to ensure the site for Burning Seed is prepared and ready to receive the participants on arrival, as well as ensuring the maintenance of Burning Seed facilities throughout the burn.

This includes:

• Marking and maintaining access roads, walkways and signage. Building Centre Camp and other community structures, the gate and entrance to the community.
• Communicating with staff and outside agency facilities. Directing portaloo placement. Assisting with major art projects.
• Surveying campsite boundaries, theme camp and artwork locations, signage and border fencing.

If you have questions about the building and maintenance of structures onsite, or if you want to know more about the DPWs volunteer needs, please contact dpw (at) burningmanaustralia (dot) com

Rangers

Modelled on the Black Rock City Rangers, our rangers are volunteers who work to ensure the safety of the site and participants for the duration of the burn. The rangers are your “go-to” people if you have a question or concern, and can be identified by their shirts.

Rangers are not law enforcement. However, rangers help to resolve disputes within our community, and bridge the gap between the ethos and the culture of our citizens and the needs and responsibilities of law enforcement.

6. Community in action - being a good burner

Participation

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”. If you want to broaden your participation in the event, there are ample opportunities. Visit Centre Camp for more information.

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.

Children

We are a family-friendly event. If you are planning on bringing your kids, please go to Kids at Burning Seed for details on having a kid-safe burn. All children under 18 years of age must be accompanied, upon entry, by a ticket-holding parent or legal guardian. It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your child at all times during the event.

If you have any ideas to make the event more fun for kids please email volunteers (at) burningmanaustralia (dot) com or kids (at) burningmanaustralia (dot) com to get involved!!

If you encounter a lost child, alert a ranger immediately. Always be respectful of children's personal space and their needs. They are a part of our community.

Burning etiquette

The burning of public structures, such as lampposts or bulletin boards, is prohibited. 

Artwork must be respected and will not be permitted to be burned this year, however there may be a few installations which incorporate gas fires.

Freedom and the media

The media are a part of our experience at Burning Seed. Freedom of the press dictates that we cannot exclude them, nor would we want to - reporting and documenting is a form of expression. The number of film or press crews will be limited and they are pledged not to interfere with your experience. Should you feel that someone toting a camera is creating a nuisance, contact the rangers.

Those photographers who wish to take images for commercial use need to contact Media before the event, at media (at) burningmanaustralia (dot) com.

Commerce, concessions, rental trucks and corporate logos

The sale of products and services is prohibited within our community. Bring what you need. Sales of hand-made items and food items “in order to cover costs of the trip” are not allowed. There is NO participant vending. Ask your neighbours should you need a specific item. Confront your own survival. This is not a consumer event.

Corporate advertising is also not allowed at Burning Seed. Participants with rental trucks are enthusiastically encouraged to cover or decorate prominent logos. The display or distribution of corporate banners, corporate logos, giveaway items, samples and other such promotional paraphernalia is prohibited.

Our neighbours

We will be camped in a clearing in the middle of a state forest. However, there are properties bordering the forest on all sides and entry to these properties is strictly prohibited. Please be considerate of these neighbours and respect the boundaries of our village.

Sound

Burning Seed is dedicated to radical self-expression, but it is also dedicated to creating community. This means we all must find a way to get along with our neighbours. 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 are unable to agree with your neighbours over the level of sound emitted from their camp, you may ask for the Rangers to mediate. If you intend to use an amplified audio system at your camp you need to pre-register at themecamps (at) burningmanaustralia (dot) com.

7. Fire safety

Burn area safety is essential. There is a general fire ban in place, which means that there are to be no fires other than at a Ceremonial 'Welcome to Country' at sunset on Friday and the main burn on Saturday, except when there is a Total Fire Ban, where there will be absolutely NO fires in ALL areas.

The burning of the Man, will occur about an hour after Sunset on Saturday night, after the day starts to cool off and daytime winds generally settle.

• Open Fires in Campsites are not permitted.
• Gas cookers are OK and encouraged, unless there is a Total Fire Ban.
• Fire spinning is OK in the fire spinning area, unless there is a Total Fire Ban.
• All structures must be 10 metres (33 feet) from the outer perimeter of the Man burn area.
• Aerial flares, rockets, explosives, and fireworks are prohibited.
• Straw or hay bales are not allowed.
• Artwork must be respected and will not be permitted to be burned this year, however there may be a few installations which incorporate gas fires.

People with children should take care to educate their kids about fire safety and be extra vigilant around the permitted bare earth fire area.

8. Health and safety

Emergency Medical Services - (First Aid & Medical Response Team)

If you or someone else requires medical assistance, find a Burning Seed volunteer or ranger, or visit our First Aid team at Centre Camp. Trained medical volunteers are on duty 24 hours a day and emergency evacuation is available.

The First Aid team carry limited emergency drugs only. They are happy to provide advice on managing any medical/first aid matter and there is a Medical Response Team (MRT) able to respond to medical emergencies around the event site.

First Aid

As burners we are 'Radically Self Reliant' - so basic first aid is everyone’s responsibility and where possible help yourself or others.

However, seek immediate help, for any medial need beyond your aid!

Here is a list of things that everyone should have in their First Aid kit. Should an injury be serious or require more advanced care, the First Aid crew at Centre Camp are there to help. Otherwise, the list below (packaged in an airtight container, Ziploc etc) should see you through most minor injuries:

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Panadol or Neurofen.
• Band-aids of assorted sizes
• Crepe bandages 15cm x 2
• Absorbent dressing x 2 (sanitary pads work well for this)
• Triangular bandage x 2
• Tape Micropore/Transpore 2.5cm
• Sunscreen & Insect repellent
• Savlon ointment (or similar) or
• Alovera or Paw Paw ointment
• Savlon/Detol or similar (small bottle)
• Tweezers & Scissors
• Tea Tree oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Antacid
• Eye wash solution
• Safety pins
• Hand sanitizer
• Silicone or Latex gloves
• Tampons or sanitary pads
• Condoms/Lubricant
• Antihistamine if you react to insect bites/dust/smoke etc
• All of your own regular medications/inhalers

Common minor medical problems that you might need to manage yourself

• Insect bites and sun/wind burn, chapped lips
• Cuts, scratches, prickles
• Sprains and strains
• Small superficial burns
• Allergic reactions
• Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
• UTI’s, Thrush
• Menstrual pain, headaches, hangovers
• Bring your own regular medications!

If you take regular medications bring more than enough for the event, if you use an inhaler bring a spare!

Yes we can treat an asthma attack, no we won’t be able to provide you with a new puffer if you run out.

Be aware that the nearest chemist is a substantial drive and will likely be closed for much of the event.

General Health and Safety Tips:

A few tips for staying healthy while you attend Burning Seed:

• Personal hygiene: Use the hand sanitiser after using the loos. Apply it faithfully and liberally.
• Water: Drink only bottled water or water that you know the origin of. Don’t drink the dam water.
• Food: Keep the refrigerated food in your camp colder than 10 degrees at all time. Restock the ice frequently. While sharing is a great part of the Burning Man experience, there are inherent risks with sharing food. Therefore, be careful about eating food that you are offered when you are not sure that it has been prepared safely. Seek medical attention immediately, and do not prepare or handle food, if you experience nausea, vomiting, high fever, jaundice and malaise, as you may be carrying a viral pathogen that can easily pass onto others.
• Washing dishes: Wash your dishes in soapy water and rinse them in water. Use biodegradable washing detergent.
• Camp cleanliness: Keep the food surfaces in your camp as clean as you can. Wash your dishes in soapy water and rinse them in water. Dirty dishes can breed bacteria and make you ill.
• Insects: There may be a few mosquitoes and other common insects on site. Standard repellant should be applied to exposed or accessible areas. Should they become a problem, long sleeves and pant legs with cuffs tucked into socks will be helpful.
• Burns: Please commence first aid by cooling and get First Aid immediately for serious burns. First aid management for burns is to cool with clean water for 10-15 minutes then cover with wet dressing/towel until MRT arrives. Put nothing but clean water on a burn, NO ice NO ointments NO fats/oils!

Ambulance cover

If you don’t have a concession card or health insurance (check you are covered out of your home state) we would suggest obtaining ambulance membership (for the state you live in) as the costs of these services can be substantial especially in a rural setting, or if you require repatriation to your home state and will be the responsibility of the individual, should the need arise.

9. Security

In order to ensure our community is safe and our boundaries respected, there will be security personnel monitoring the gate and boundaries at Burning Seed. For participants, this should not pose any problems. If you have any concerns with security, you can ask for assistance from the rangers.

Public and Private – your right to privacy

Burning Seed is a state of mind, an extremely interactive environment. Many distinctions between what is private and what is public tend to soften and disappear. We do, however, remain subject to local and state laws.

10. Environment and leave no trace

Climate

Be prepared for all weather. In November we may experience cool nights, some rain and/or beautiful sunny days. Bring sunscreen.

MOOP! (Matter-Out-Of-Place)

Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. Burning Seed is also a do-ocracy. If you see MOOP, pick it up! You are responsible for ensuring your campsite is clear before you leave. It’s easier if you clean as you go, and think about what you’re bringing to the burn in the first place.

Grey water

Most camps will need to dispose of grey water during Burning Seed. Grey water is produced from cooking, dishwashing, and body washing. At Burning Man, you can’t dump grey water on the playa. At Burning Seed the same applies. Don’t dump on the grass or in the dam. You can package all your grey water up in the same containers you brought your water in with. Plan ahead. Try ‘baby-wipe’ baths rather than using water. Don’t use anything other than biodegradable and natural soaps and detergents. The best idea is to try and minimise grey water altogether.

Toilets

There will be portaloos on the site, with toilet paper. These will be serviced daily by volunteers from the Department Of Public Works.

NOTHING other than human waste is to be put into any toilet. We encourage participants to think of the toilets as if they were your own home toilets.

Respecting the purpose of the toilets affects the long-term sustainability of Burning Seed. On that note in respect to your community we ask that you be aware where you pee on the village lands. Walkways will be shared and space is limited in the village and no one wants to see or feel your body waste between their toes!

The dam

There is a dam located on the site, which will be cordoned off. No bathing, swimming or washing of any items will be permitted in the dam.

Children must have an adult with them whenever they are near the dam.

Recycling & Waste Minimisation

We encourage you to pack smart to attend Burning Seed.

Bring bulk water containers and use them to store your grey water as you empty them. Minimise the use of little disposable drink containers and opt for a ‘camel back’ or re-usable bottle to replenish your daily water supplies.

Find a fabulous mug or solid plastic re-useable cup for alcohol or mixed drinks and take them with you as you wander around.

Avoid glass bottles wherever possible. De-package all your food items before you leave for Burning Seed to minimise your trash.

Make an advance plan of how you will ‘pack out’ when it’s time to go. Begin your weekend with a recycling or waste program at your camp. Bring white and black plastic bags to sort your rubbish.

Sort your waste as you go. Don’t dump rubbish in neighbouring towns or service stations on your way out. Be responsible.