An avoidable accident can turn a wonderful adventure into an
unpleasant one in a blink of an eye, therefore, safety first should be the
phrase that every camper stands by. Implementing emergency plans, being
prepared for the “what if’s” and following the campground rules are important
to ensure that you and your crew stay safe on your trip.
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| Camping safety tips Image credit: bhossfeld |
General Safety Tips
for Campers
●
Travel safe:
it’s a smart idea to have your RV, car or truck serviced before hitting the
road. Checking to make sure everything is in good working order beforehand will
put your mind at ease. Additionally, your toolbox should be full of essentials
such as spare tires, flares, flashlights, jumper cables, multi tools and the
vehicle manual.
●
Know the
campsite: To avoid getting lost, take some time to get to know the campsite
once you have arrived. Study the map if one is available and mark trees and
boulders on your trail for you to follow back to your tent, RV or cabin.
●
Implement
your emergency plan: Implement your emergency plan with your camping crew
before you start your trip. Go over what to do if someone gets lost or if a
medical emergency should arise.
●
Check
your Equipment: Check all your equipment before you pack up and head out.
Everything from your tent to your flashlights should be in complete working
order.
●
Walk with
a first aid kit: Your first aid kit should contain bandages of
varied sizes, antiseptic ointment, antibacterial gel, hand sanitizer, gauzes,
tweezers, lighter, gloves, scissors, aloe vera gel, pain relief tablets (like
aspirin), antihistamine, and safety pins.
●
Pack the
essentials: Pack items such as protein-rich food, insect repellent,
sunscreen, hats, shades, comfortable weatherized clothing, flashlights,
whistles, a pocket knife, water, matches, duct tape, blankets and a multi-tool
with scissors and a blade.
●
Be fire
safe: Avoid forest fires by paying close attention to your
flame; never walk away from your fire, make sure that your fire is lit in a
dedicated ring and kill your fire with no signs of heat when you are ready.
Also, you should have a fire extinguisher nearby. Never throw your cigarette
butts on the grounds or light fireworks.
●
Read your
body: Camping is an excursion for every physical fitness level, however, to
avoid a medical emergency, it is very important that you read your body for
symptoms and signs of physical or emotional distress. You should report your
symptoms to other members of your crew as soon as they arise. Additionally, if
you have a pre-existing condition then you should talk to your doctor before
the trip to ensure that it is safe and continue to take your medications as
prescribed.
●
Stay hydrated:
Invest in a portable water filtration system for water bottles and stay
hydrated by drinking ample amount of clean water.
●
Beware of
the dark: Taking dips in the lake and strolls around the campground at
nighttime can be fun, but it can also be dangerous, so be mindful of your
actions. Do not wander too far away from the base and always walk with your
flashlight and map.
●
Don’t run
from wildlife: Wildlife sightings is certainly an exciting perk of camping,
however, it can also be a scary one. If you encounter
a bear, remain calm and back away slowly.
●
Keep your
buddies close: Safety in numbers is a key strategy to live by while
camping, especially when it comes to campsites near water. Never hike, swim or fish alone. Having
a buddy or two with you will increase your confidence and safety level.
●
Don’t
rely on technology: As reliable as cellphones can be in the city, the
opposite is true when you are in the forest. You should still walk with your
phones, however, you should walk with primitive backups such as whistles, maps,
a compass and a flashlight.
Avoiding the negatives will help you enjoy your trip and
bring home lots of beautiful memories to share. Stay safe.
Author: Michael Bourke (SciCamps.org)
