Whether this is your first camping trip or your hundredth, everyone could benefit from some safety tips. For example, do you know how to make drinking water safe or where to go during a storm? If you answered no, keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and others.
Make a Copy of Your Itinerary
Camping is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but make sure someone knows where you are and how to contact you in case of an emergency. While you may not have an itinerary per se, you should at least have a general idea as to what you will be doing each day. You can’t get the help you need if no one knows where you are. Check in with a friend or family member before you arrive at camp (and possibly lose cell service), and check in again when you are on the road back home.
Pack It Up
The biggest camping do is to make sure you have all the essentials. While you might not have planned on brushing into a bed of poison ivy, you did and now you are an itching, miserable mess. It’s moments like these when you wish you had brought the anti-itch cream. Create a list of all the items you need to bring, including various scenarios you might encounter. Make sure to pack a first-aid kit, map, compass, flashlight or lantern (far safer than candles or lighters), weather gear, pocket knife, and matches. While not a commonly thought of item, bring rope to assist you in making a clothes line, tying up coolers and food away from the furry paws of animals, or towing people out of a dangerous situation. Multi-use tools and items will be your best friend on any camping trip.
If you are traveling with a pet, read up ahead of time on ways to keep your furry friend safe. He or she will likely require items you wouldn’t otherwise pack, so be sure you’ve done your homework to avoid posing additional risks to your furry friend.
Don’t Drink the Water
You took the last sip from your water bottle an hour ago, and the cold water of the river seems tempting. Avoid the temptation. You should always assume that any body of water is contaminated and unsafe to drink unless treated properly. There are several easy ways to treat water such as boiling, filtering, UV light devices, and disinfecting tablets.
Be Wary
While the flat area near the waterfall is beautiful, it’s far away from civilization and not many people know of its location. If this is your first time camping, keep your campsite safe by choosing a campground with security features such as a gated perimeter, night patrols, and surveillance cameras. If you’d rather venture far out, locate the nearest campground or neighboring camper should you need help. It’s a good idea to introduce yourself to your neighbors to not only determine their trustworthiness, but also to have someone to turn to for help, have your back, and provide good company.
Watch the Weather
Yet another important wariness safety tip is to keep an eye on the weather. A storm can roll in in a matter of minutes. If you hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm and should find shelter as soon as possible. The best location is a large building without any windows, but when you are camping this isn’t an option. Although your tent might seem like the next best thing to a building, the aluminum in the tent poles make it a lightning magnet and your tent might not be able to withstand strong winds. If you can get to your vehicle, do so, as the tires will absorb most of the impact from a lightning strike. Sometimes the safest options just simply aren’t available to you, so try your best to find an area in the open air and ride it out.
Have Fun
The most important tip is to have fun! Let every group member pick their favorite activity or tell their scariest ghost story. Separate into teams and have various competitions each day: who can make the most delicious dinner or catch the most fish?
Camping is a fun experience as long as you take safety precautions. You’ll have so much fun that you’ll find yourself sitting around the campfire planning the next trip before this one is even over.