Camping Safety
Some Camping Safety Tips You May Not Want To Leave Home Without
Camping safety should be just as important as the rest of your trip, and you can begin thinking about and planning for it well in advance. There are the smaller aspects, though these can ruin your trip over time, and the larger weather related or break down issues that can completely devastate your vacation, and sometimes even your life. Always have at least two back up plans, especially if you are vacationing with children. Have nationwide towing and roadside assistance put into place before your departure, because the faster you can get off of the road during a mechanical issue the better. Also, be sure that you have a bit of money or a credit card charged up with emergency funds and ready to go.
Even if you’re just taking a two night tour at your favorite little river spot thirty miles away, which is common for families who have a tight schedule but who just want to get away, you should be prepared to deal with anything. If you have a camper, make a constant game and roll call of the exits, the fire extinguishers, and the do’s and don’ts of the camper. Store nothing on the stove area or in the oven, and be sure to check your gas supplies if your camper runs on propane. Store your gas for the generator, if you have one, away from the camper, in the bed of the truck or somewhere that it won’t be in danger of combustion.
Camping safety materials will always include at least two flashlights, if not more, and plenty of backup batteries right next to them just in case. Keep another flashlight in your vehicle in case all else fails. You should also keep spare blankets, preferably the woolen type, stored in the highest compartments of your camper. These will be used in case of extreme cold or flooding. Be sure that you have a fully stocked first aid kit, and that there are enough supplies to treat everyone, not just one or two people. Bring some extra medications that you can seal away from the kids, such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough remedies. If anyone in your family or gathering is allergic to bees, visit the doctor ahead of time and get an emergency allergy kit to take along.
Camping safety is most important when hiking, enjoying the water, and when preparing to use a fire pit. All tents and flammables should be at least twenty feet away from the fire and should never be left unattended. Have a bucket of water to extinguish your fire before sleeping, and some dry kindling on hand in case you need to start it again. Bring life jackets even if you don’t plan on swimming or fishing, because you never know when you might need them. Stay together when venturing in the woods, and remember to look after each other.