Your hiking boots and roasting forks may have been packed away for the winter, but camping season is right around the corner. As you anticipate the taste of tasty s’mores and the familiar smell of cozy cabins, it is important to refresh your camping safety knowledge. This is especially true if you’re new to camping or have children in your party.
Help keep your family safe this season by following these simple tips.
Respect Animals: Even if you are tucked inside of an RV, remember that you are sharing the outdoors with wild animals. If you encounter wildlife of any type, do not approach or feed them. Be sure to store food in a place where animals cannot access it.
Know Your Bugs: Just as you are sharing the outdoors with wild animals, you are also camping alongside plenty of bugs. Apply mosquito repellent to avoid pesky mosquito bites, and be sure to check your skin for ticks at the end of every day.
Use The Buddy System: Even for well-seasoned campers, it is dangerous to wander off alone. If you plan to go hiking, always travel with another person. If your children are prone to wandering off, then it is especially important to discuss how important it is to have another adult with them.
Practice Fire Safety: Campfires are a staple in all campgrounds. To be sure that your family can enjoy this tradition to its full potential, be sure to have safety measures in place. Build your fire pit away from any flammable materials and be sure to use the provided fire pit or ring at the campsites, and teach your children about fire safety. Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish the flame and be sure to completely put out the fire at the end of the night.
Pack Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast before you pack, and then plan for the weather forecast being wrong! Even in the summer, be sure to pack warm layers. While it is best not to over-pack, a variety of clothing will keep you prepared for any weather situation.
Know Basic First Aid: Brush up on your first aid skills by taking a class or reading a book. Teach your family members how to react if someone gets injured, and of course, have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand.
As one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the United States, bringing in around $5 billion in revenue in 2013 alone, camping is a family bonding experience like no other. Whether you are pitching tents, RV camping, or renting cabins this season, you and your family are responsible for your own health and safety.
