Outdoor living can be a fun, relaxing and exhilarating time for all. There are so many different summer activities that family and friends can enjoy together – camping, hiking, swimming, and water-skiing are just a few of the possibilities.
Unfortunately, each year people either lose their lives or are very seriously injured from tent fires, wildlife attacks, insect bites, sunstroke, thunder storms, etc. Many of these problems can be eliminated or the damage controlled by taking some very simple precautions.
Prepare ahead:
• Check weather conditions before starting out. Be aware of possible storm conditions expected in the area you will be visiting – if severe weather is expected consider another time for the camp out
• Develop an emergency plan before starting your trip. Include a plan for what to do if someone gets lost (an emergency whistle for children to blow is a good idea)
• Check ahead and become familiar with the rules and regulations at the campsite where you will be staying
• Keep clothes and sleeping bags stored so they will remain dry regardless of weather conditions – staying in wet clothes can cause chills and lead to illness that can ruin your camping experience
• Bring an easy to carry 72-hour emergency kit - including high energy food, water, a first aid kit, area map and compass, flashlight, multi-tool knife, waterproof fire starter, tent, whistle, extra clothing, and insect protection
Be sure to practice safe tenting rules:
• Arrive early enough to have time to thoroughly check your campsite for potential hazards (broken glass, fallen trees/limbs, bee or wasp nests, etc.) and to get everything set up before dark
• Set your tent up on higher ground, facing slightly downhill so if rain does occur it will flow away from the tent
• Never cook, smoke, use matches, lighted candles or other open flames in or near your tent
• Never refuel heaters, lamps, stoves, barbeques, etc or store flammable items inside a tent
• Store food away from tents. In the trunk of your vehicle is best, or in a sealed container hanging out on a branch at least 10 feet above the ground
• Sleep at least 100 feet away from the area where you store and cook food
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent illness
• Keep your campsite clean. Put all garbage in animal-proof containers (never bury garbage) - use proper recycling bins if available
Sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, singing campfire songs, watching beautiful sunsets, or counting the stars is an excellent way to spend an evening. And who doesn't enjoy a good hotdog roasted over an open fire!
Campfire Safety:
• Construct a fire ring (only as big as you need) surrounded by rocks, away from tents and flammable items
• NEVER start a fire with flammable fluids
• Have a bucket of water or sand nearby, ready to put out a fire
• NEVER leave a campfire unattended
• Make sure to completely extinguish your campfire when finished, including any remaining embers
• Extinguish all campfires (and lanterns) before going to sleep
Mother Nature has provided so many wonderful outdoor activities that are just waiting to be experienced. Following these easy guidelines will help make sure you enjoy your outdoor time and prevent avoidable mishaps from ruining camping fun.
Fun in the Sun Safety Rules:
• Bring sunscreen and sun glasses no matter what the weather is – it is easy to get burned and strain your eyes even in cloudy weather
• Hike or explore in groups or with a friend. Let someone responsible know where you are going and how long you will be gone. Notify them when you return
• Familiarize yourself with dangerous or poisonous plants in the area. If you come in contact with one, rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion
• Practice water safety – closely watch small children
• Protect against insect bites and stings – they can cause an allergic reaction and put an early end to camping
• Never feed or approach wildlife. Use a flashlight at night to warn them away
• When you are walking watch for snakes and other critters. Be careful when picking something up and look around before sitting down. When encountering a wild animal stay calm and slowly move away – no sudden moves
Pay attention to weather conditions as they can change suddenly. At the first sign of a thunderstorm, follow these lightning safety precautions:
• Take shelter when you can count 30 seconds or fewer between lightning and thunder - if possible go inside a building or vehicle (do not touch anything metal) - remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder
• Avoid being the tallest object around or being near the tallest object (i.e. an isolated tree) or objects that conduct electricity (metal fence, power lines, golf clubs, fishing rod, etc.)
• Look for the lowest lying area, crouch down (do not lie flat) and protect your head
• Get out away from the water
Make your camping experience a good experience and Be Prepared – Before Disaster Strikes!
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