You—as one of our visitors—are extremely important to us at C & O Canal National Historical Park. Along with our employees, you are the people most directly affected by the presence of safety hazards in the park. Very often visitors to the C & O Canal National Historical Park are the first to encounter a safety hazard. The National Park Service needs and wants your help. Have you ever been somewhere in the park and noticed a hazardous condition that could result in injury? Have you ever wondered to whom to report it so the particular hazard can be corrected?

Through the C & O Canal National Historical Park's Safety Hazard Reporting System (HAZARDS) visitors can quickly and conveniently report safety hazards through email. HAZARDS uses a special address to accept incoming reports and then forwards them to the Park Safety Officer and appropriate staff members.

To report a safety hazard click on the CHOH HAZARDS link below.   In the subject line enter the number of the milepost immediately downstream from the safety hazard. For example, if you encountered a downed tree just upstream from White's Ferry (mile 35.5), you would type "above mile marker 35" or "between mile marker 35 and 36", in the subject heading of your email. In the body of the message describe the hazard and any pertinent information. In this case, you might write in the body of the message, "On April 12, I encountered a downed tree, 24 inches in diameter, across the towpath just upstream from the road leading to White's Ferry."

Every report will be reviewed when received. The Safety Officer will contact the appropriate staff persons to ensure they have also received the report. The Hazard will then be stabilized or resolved depending on the nature of the Hazard and the scope of the remedy.
You are encouraged to provide contact information in the body of your email in case more information is needed to locate and/or fix the problem. As the park addresses your report, you will be kept apprised of the actions to stabilize or mitigate the Hazard.

If you encounter any problems with the HAZARDS reporting system and need assistance please contact a park ranger or maintenance employee on the towpath or at one of the six visitor centers located in the park.

If you encounter a life-threatening emergency while visiting the park, please go to the nearest phone and dial 911or the park's toll-free emergency number 1-866-677-6677.

Thank you for making your park safer for everyone!

Link to CHOH HAZARDS