News and Articles

Santuario de Chimayó Pilgrimage Safety Information from the Santa Fe County Fire Department

Santa Fe, NM – March 27, 2013 –The Santa Fe County Fire Department would like to remind Santuario De Chimayó pilgrims to take appropriate safety precautions during their pilgrimage. Below is a list of suggested precautions and additional information for the pilgrimage.

• Stay on the path marked for pedestrians and follow signage
• Do not walk in the road
• Do not walk alone (If you are walking alone notify someone you will be walking and where you are leaving from
• )Carry plenty of water to drink and food/snacks
• Dress weather-appropriate and wear layers to adjust to the changing weatherWear appropriate shoes for walking
• Wear bright-visible colors and something reflective, like reflective tape, vests or glow sticks that is easily visible from the front and backAvoid wearing black or other dark colors
• Carry a flashlight
• If you are visiting the Santuario by vehicle or picking up walkers, do not use your cell phone while driving (It is against the law to use cell phones while driving, which includes calling or texting)

The local volunteer fire districts will have first aid stations set up throughout the Northern part of the county. If you need assistance please stop by any of the following locations:

• Pojoaque Volunteer Fire District will have a standby/first aid station at the Nambe Community Center, Thursday evening through Friday afternoon
• Tesuque Volunteer Fire District will have two first aid stations set up at US 84/285 North and South Exits, Thursday evening through Friday evening
• La Puebla Volunteer Fire District will have a first aid station set up at the intersection of State Road 76 and County Road 88, Mile Marker 4, Thursday evening through Friday evening
• Chimayo Volunteer Fire District will have a first aid station set up at Station 1, located on Juan Medina Road, Thursday evening to Friday evening

Public Safety agencies will prohibit vendor set up on all right of ways including: County Road 98, State Highway 76 and State Highway 503. In addition, County Road 98 will have “No Parking” signs for a three mile stretch. This change is required to improve emergency vehicle access throughout the route.

Over 26 Public Safety Agencies representing Federal, State, Tribal and County Governments will come together for the pilgrimage. Planning and coordination has occurred as a joint venture between Rio Arriba and Santa Fe County Emergency Management Offices, as well as non-government emergency partners who will assist as in years past. The National Incident Management System will be in place to provide an immediate emergency response if needed.