Important Safety Tips to Consider
Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and the great outdoors with family and friends. While nobody plans to get injured when camping, accidents can happen. Adequate preparation is important to ensure your camping trip is enjoyable.
Put safety first
Make sure you travel with a first aid kit. You'll need to include antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, snake bite kit, pain relievers and sunscreen. Be prepared for any minor injury. You also need to be prepared in case of emergency. You should bring a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food and water.
Word to the wise
Unless you are a seasoned camper, arriving at a campsite could present certain dangers, so make sure you plan to get there with enough daylight to check the site carefully and set up camp. Look thoroughly for potential hazards such as glass, sharp objects, ants nests, poison ivy and hazardous terrain.
There will likely be more insects than you are used to. You can minimize the annoyance by wearing light-coloured clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. If insects do come near you, use a gentle brushing motion to deter them rather than waving or swatting.
Avoid unnecessary mishaps
Eating outdoors can be a great experience especially if you thought to bring along the marshmallows but you need to be careful. Build your campfire in a safe place well away from your tent and overhanging branches and never leave it or a camp stove unattended. Never leave food out in the open and always dispose of garbage properly so you don't attract unwanted insects or animals. Pack food away in the car at night. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly, especially before handling food.
