QUICK REFERENCE
LOST & FOUND: Right side of Playa Info, 9am-6pm (Mon-Labor Day) LOCKOUT/LOCKSMITH: Hot PINK mailbox (KEY-OSK) at Playa Info - fill out form TOWING: Online form on tablet - Cal-Nevada Towing (starts Saturday, fees apply) EMERGENCY CONTACTS: Any Ranger (khaki shirt) or staff with radio
MOST COMMON QUESTIONS:
Lost my keys/phone/wallet → Check Lost & Found bins first, then database search
Locked out of car → Fill pink box form, select "LOCKOUT," wait by vehicle
Need new keys made → Fill pink box form, select "LOST KEYS" (locksmith comes Friday only)
Car won't start → online form on tablet for jump start or towing
Missing friend/family → Check message boards, contact Rangers for coordination
REMEMBER: For TRUE emergencies, get Shift Lead to radio immediately
See detailed procedures and timeframes below
Also see:
A1: Emergency Services & Safety (for medical emergencies, true crises, Ranger contact)
C3: Practical Services (for vehicle repair beyond towing, RV services, technical problems)
F1: External Resources (for missing persons off-playa, hospital/jail searches)
When problems require multiple sections:
Lost person + vehicle problems → A1 (missing persons) + A2 (vehicle services)
Medical equipment in locked car → A1 (medical priority) + A2 (emergency lockout)
Missing friend with suspected arrest → A1 (missing persons) + F1 (jail search)
Lost & Found Services
Lost & Found Location & Hours
Location: Right side of Playa Info shade structure Main Hours: 9:00am - 6:00pm, Wednesday pre-event through Monday (Labor Day) Limited Service: Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00am (final day) Night Drop: Three "Deep Throat" bins in L&F line area (24/7 deposit)
NOTE: L&F does NOT handle lost bicycles
Three L&F Service Lines
Line 0: Turn in Found Items
Line 1: Retrieve items WITH claim number
Line 2: Search assistance when item NOT found in database
Items NOT in Database (Check First)
At Oracle Desks (front of Playa Info):
Keys
Goggles
Glasses
In the Lost & Found Waiting Area (large bins):
Shoes
Water bottles
Scarves & hats
Clothes (shorts, shirts, socks, pants)
Bike locks
Lost & Found Process
Check bins first for common items (keys, shoes, clothes)
Search database at Digital Services terminals (24/7 access)
Get claim number if item found in database
Go to appropriate line with claim number
If not found: Check daily - new items logged regularly
Special Lost & Found Categories
Lost Luggage (Airlines)
From Reno Airport: Airlines deliver to BM office in Gerlach → Box Office → Lost & Found
Timeline: Usually arrives Wednesday, sometimes later
Retrieval: Any L&F line with name and luggage description
Priority: Special "Lost Luggage" line available
Security Items (Locked Storage)
Items: Wallets, IDs, passports, phones, backpacks with IDs
Access: Only authorized L&F staff can retrieve
Process: Must provide identification and detailed description
Post-Event Lost & Found
After Tuesday: Unclaimed items shipped to San Francisco
Claim filing deadline: October 31st
"Don't Despair" Cards: Provided for continued search guidance
Lockout & Locksmith Services
Service Provider
Organization: Black Rock City Lockout (volunteer group) Manager: Elecktra Availability: August 17 - September 2 Request Location: Hot PINK mailbox (KEY-OSK) at Playa Info (while KEY-OSK is available 24/7, actual lockout services will occur only between 9 am – 6 pm)
Lockout Services (Getting Into Vehicle)
Service: FREE vehicle entry assistance Process:
Fill out form in pink KEY-OSK box
Select "LOCKOUT" on form
Follow ALL instructions on form
Stay with your vehicle
Be patient - service occurs between 9 am and 6 pm only and may take time
Emergency Lockouts:
Running car or safety issue: Get Shift Lead/Day Manager to radio lockout channel immediately
Otherwise: Use standard form process or contact Rangers for help
Locksmith Services (Making New Keys)
Service: Key cutting (fees vary, collected by locksmith) Availability: Starting Friday of event week ONLY Process:
Fill out form in pink KEY-OSK box
Select "LOST KEYS" on form
Follow ALL instructions on form
Keys will NOT be cut before Friday
Be patient - no guaranteed timeframe
Important: Playa Info does NOT know locksmith ETA or pricing
Towing & Road Services
Cal-Nevada Towing
Operating:
Starts Saturday Aug 30 and runs into Exodus Week as needed
Runs 7 am to dusk
Services Offered - all fee based (surge pricing Sat/Sun/Mon)
Cal-Nevada Road Services has set the following flat service fees for tow services, which is highest during the early Exodus days of Saturday through Monday, Labor Day, due to the increased travel time. Reduced rates begin Tuesday post-event.
Jump starts or tire changes are $150, regardless of date.
Request Process
Fill out online form via tablet at Playa Info (paper form as backup, if needed)
Follow instructions on form exactly
Stay with your vehicle - if you're not there, they move to next request
Be patient during busy periods
What Cal-Nevada CANNOT Do
Service inside your camp (access issues)
Give guaranteed response times
Provide complex mechanical repairs
AAA Information
Important: AAA will NOT provide road assistance within BRC fence line Coverage: Only on maintained roads outside BRC (Highway 447, County Road 34, etc.) For Members: Contact AAA only when on public roads
Missing Persons Procedures
Missing Adults
Check Rangers HQ (Esplanade & 6:30) for coordination
Check Message Boards around Playa Info and camps
Post your own message on boards with contact info
Search Directory for camp/person messages
Consider off-playa locations (hospitals, jails - see Section F1)
Missing Children (Under 18)
IMMEDIATE ACTION:
Contact ANY Ranger immediately (khaki shirt)
Gate traffic will be stopped
Provide: Child's name, camp location, description, when last seen
Stay at current location unless directed otherwise by Rangers
Family Unification Network (FUN)
Registration: Ranger HQ anytime (avoid noon, 6pm, midnight when shifts are changing) Requirements: Parent/guardian + child + photo ID + camp location Benefit: Wristband with unique serial number for quick identification Result: Any Ranger can immediately identify child and facilitate reunion
Pro Tips for Volunteers
Lost & Found Efficiency Tips
Direct to bins first for common items (keys, glasses, shoes)
Explain database search - they can search 24/7 at Digital Services
Manage expectations - "lost" items take time to find their way to L&F
Daily check reminder - new items logged regularly
Remember – L&F does NOT handle lost bicycles
Vehicle Service Reality Check
No guaranteed timeframes - all services operate on availability
Stay with vehicle - if you're not there, they skip you
Prepare for waits - especially during Exodus busy periods
Cash preparation - some services require cash payment
Common Misconceptions to Address
"Can you call them for me?" → We don't have direct contact; use the forms
"I'm sure I left it here" → Check bins and database; items may be misfiled
"This is an emergency" → True emergency = safety risk; inconvenience ≠ emergency
"Can't the locksmith come earlier?" → Friday is the earliest, no exceptions
When to Escalate
Safety-related lockouts (running car, person/pet trapped)
Medical equipment in locked vehicle
Missing children (contact Rangers immediately)
Stranded participants with no camp support
Form Completion Help
Be specific: Vehicle make, model, license plate, exact location
Include contact method: How they can reach you at your vehicle
Follow instructions: Each form has specific requirements
Manage expectations: Explain typical wait times