We would like our attendees to enjoy a safe RIPE Meeting. Security is provided by the venue, and any unwanted behaviour can be reported to the Code of Conduct team, some of whom will also be attending the meeting in person.
Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112
112 is operated in both Polish and English. This is the general emergency number that can be dialled for any emergency, including police assistance, medical emergencies, or fire emergencies.
Direct emergency numbers if you dial from a landline:
999: Ambulance
998: Fire Brigade
997: Police
986: Municipal Police
981: Road Assistance
Direct emergency numbers if you dial from an international mobile:
+48 12 999: Ambulance
+48 12 998: Fire Brigade
+48 12 997: Police
+48 12 986: Municipal Police
+48 12 981: Road Assistance
If you are using mobile phone: remember to dial the local code before direct emergency number, for example: +48 12 997 to call the police in Krakow. If you do not know the local code, dial the general emergency number: 112 and the operator will ask which emergency unit you need. But we recommend using direct emergency numbers, because in some areas the general emergency number (112) still does not work properly.
Health and COVID-19 Measures
We would like to offer you a safe RIPE Meeting environment. Masks and self-tests are available for attendees, as are social distancing stickers.
- Self tests are available at the registration desk. Please test yourself during the event if you experience COVID-19 symptoms.
- You can pick up face masks from the registration desk.
- Use a colour-coded sticker to show your social distancing preference. Please respect the space and preferences of your fellow attendees.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 during the event
- Please do not enter the event areas.
- Please inform the Meeting Organisation Team at meeting [at] ripe [dot] net. We will keep your information confidential and only use it to inform other onsite attendees without revealing your identity. Revealing this information is not obligatory but will help minimise the spread of the virus and help us have a safe meeting. We will only keep your personal data for one week after receiving the report.
Safety in Krakow
The rate of violent crime in Krakow is low, but petty crimes (purse snatching and pickpocketing) still occur, especially in major tourist spots, busy markets, public transportation, and near hotels. Standard big city rules apply.
More information is available on the Visit Krakow website.
LGBTQ+ Community
Staff from the RIPE NCC visited DOM EQ, a centre run by the Signs of Equality Federation (Federacja Znaki Równości) to learn more about safety in Krakow. The visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Krakow has grown in recent years. Krakow is also set to host a Pride March in the week before RIPE 88.
Here is some of their advice (which we think is sensible advice for all RIPE Meeting attendees):
- Krakow is by and large a safe city for all.
- If you see a rainbow sticker in a window, it indicates that it’s an LGBTQ+-friendly business.
- Avoid football matches and the accompanying crowds if any are taking place during your stay in Krakow.
- They also recommend using Uber or similar app-based taxi services, and suggest being in a group if you’re out late at night.
DOM EQ has kindly agreed to allow us to list their website and phone number here. They are available for you to speak to if you would like to hear about safety in Krakow from locals.
Email DOM EQ: domeq [at] znakirownosci [dot] org [dot] pl
Phone number: + 48 728 273 738
The DOM EQ centre also hosts workshops, discussions, meetings, film nights, exhibitions and other events and also psychological support, legal advice, and more. Anyone can come by and have a cup of coffee, friendly chat or some space to relax on the couch and read a book. All are welcome to attend their events – check their Facebook calendar to see what’s on; otherwise the centre has no opening hours and can be visited by appointment, as our team did.
DOM EQ is situated at Kraków, at ul. Czyżówka 43.
Queerowy Maj is another LGBTQ+ rights group in Krakow, and are the organisers of the Krakow Equality March taking place on May 18, ahead of RIPE 88. However their website is only available in Polish.