There is nothing better than heading out to the great outdoors for a weekend camping trip. Camping is an activity that, when done right, is a great way to spend time with family. However, that doesn’t mean you can throw all safety precautions out the window! In fact, some of the most basic camping safety needs are often overlooked due to excitement or lack of preparation.
Whether you are staying in a cabin, bringing an RV, or pitching your tent in the woods, there are an array of safety concerns that need to be addressed. If you are planning a camping trip, there are a few must-haves to keep in mind. Being prepared can make your trip safe and enjoyable.
This article will talk about camping safety tips you should be aware of before heading on your next weekend trip.
Get to Know Your Campground
The majority of nature reserves, campsites, and recreational locations will contain a set of rules, restrictions, and basic information about the region or camping activities.
Examine the camp’s needed licenses, fees, and passes, as well as the outside settings, fire laws, pet rules and regulations, food handling and disposal directions, and basic camping guidelines.
The purpose of these camping guidelines is to maintain and preserve the site for subsequent generations to visit. These rules are in place not only for compliance but also for your safety, so be sure to check up on such details.
Pet restrictions, for example, are in place to minimize the spread of contagious illnesses among the park’s species, protect your pets from being damaged by national wildlife, and reduce congestion at top attractions.
Bring a First Aid Kit with You
Packing camping first aid supplies should be at the top of your plan when it comes to getting ready for your camping trip. Many campsites are located in isolated areas, finding it challenging to get a doctor immediately in an accident.
A well-filled first aid bag should be able to assist you in coping with minor medical emergencies on your own or at the very least keep you from seeing a doctor.
A basic first aid kit should include antibiotic cream, antiseptic wipes, adhesive patches, paracetamol, and sterile gauze.
Include an EpiPen if you have a camper with a life-threatening allergy. Keep first-aid items in a waterproof box or bag with you at all times.
Be Updated with the Weather Forecast
Do a preliminary study on the weather conditions in the region where you’ll be camping, and you may do so by looking at the weather forecast to see what kind of weather you’ll be getting.
Remember that, owing to the unpredictable nature of weather, you will need to keep an eye on the prevailing weather patterns during your camping trip.
In the middle of a storm, if you can hear thunder 10 miles away, you should take cover immediately.
Water has the property of being an excellent conductor of electricity. So if you’re in a watercraft like a boat, you should get away as soon as possible.
If you have a car with you, use it instead of your tents to take shelter. If a vehicle is hit, its tires will absorb the electricity and minimize the damage. This is a preferable option if you are not camping in a campground with a dedicated shelter. Remain on the lowest floor, away from the windows, if possible.
If, however, there is no other option for cover, find a low area away from trees and metallic items such as posts and fences.
Keep Food Safety in Mind While Camping
Camping is a fun and adventurous activity enjoyed by many people but can pose some risks when it comes to food safety. There are several things you should do to make sure your food stays safe while camping.
There are four main food safety rules all campers should follow:
- Wash your hands before handling food and cooking.
- Bring plenty of food and avoid leftovers
- Keep the temperature cool.
- Keep the food covered and clean.
The number one thing you need to do is clean your hands before touching the food in any way. You should wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t accessible, hand sanitizers can be used instead. Making sure to clean your hands will help keep you healthy and avoid getting sick from other people’s germs.
Another important thing to keep in mind: pack and store food in secure containers. For one thing, you’ll want to avoid attracting pests and critters when you take food and beverages out on tables or in other unsecured areas. Make sure your food is packed and stored in a tight, watertight storage glass. You may keep it in insulated containers as well.
Cooked meals should be kept apart from raw foods. Furthermore, it is preferable to prepare your items at the correct temperature. For instance, the ground beef must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. If you haven’t yet cooked your dish, cool it as soon as possible.
Purify Your Water When Camping
If you love to go camping and trekking you may have faced the problem of water purification. The taste of water from a stream in the wilderness is, for many people, one of the great joys of going camping.
However, little do they know how polluted their water may be. The thought of drinking that nasty water can make a person cringe.
There are ways to purify water when you’re out camping. You can use a filter or chemical treatment to clean the water and make it safe to drink.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a portable filtration system. Not only will this ensure that you have clean water on your trip, but it can also be used at home if you live in an area with poor tap water.
It is always important to have clean water when you are traveling, but it’s especially critical for your health when you’re exploring the great outdoors.
Keep Yourself Hydrated Adequately
Staying hydrated is very important when camping. It is important to drink enough water before, during, and after camping. There are many ways that you can stay safe while camping and one of them is by drinking plenty of water.
Some people like to bring water bottles with them, while others like to boil water in their campers or RV’s for tea or coffee. Whatever method you choose, make sure that it is safe and easy for both adults and children.
Here are some extra tips for staying hydrated while camping:
- To stay hydrated, you should drink water before going on a hike or a long walk.
- Drink at least two cups of water every hour when hiking or walking in the sun.
- Make sure to bring plenty of water with you on your hike or walk.
- Drink more if you are sweating a lot from the heat or from physical exertion.
- Stop for a break every hour and have a snack and/or some more water.
- Don’t forget to bring enough bottled water for your family members or camping companions just in case.
Always Keep Warm
It is important to wear warm clothing when camping in the winter. Make sure that your clothes are waterproof and that you have dry clothes with you in case of emergencies.
It is also important to have the right type of tent for the weather conditions, as well as be aware of any safety hazards in the area where you are camping.
In addition, pack plenty of extra blankets and clothing to protect yourself from the cold. Prepare yourself for the cold and be aware of the symptoms of pneumonia and frost.
Use a plastic ground cover under your tent to keep you dry. Wear layers, drink lots of water, and stay away from alcoholic beverages.
Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning fuels such as wood, natural gas, or gasoline. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen when a person breathes in the gas. This compound has the potential to cause serious health problems in humans and animals, as well as death.
It is important to stay safe when camping because carbon monoxide poisoning can happen if you are not careful. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up inside your camper. It is a by-product of burning fuel for heat or cooking and is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States.
There are many ways to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning while camping including staying away from open flames and using CO detectors. The best way to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning when camping is to use an EPA-certified carbon monoxide alarm near your sleeping area.
Practice Fire Safety
Campfires are great, but we should also be aware of how dangerous they can be. Fire is one of the leading causes of death in the wilderness.
Here are some fire safety tips to keep in mind before going out on your camping adventure:
- Use only approved campfires that are at least five feet away from tents, trees, or other flammable objects.
- Never build a fire when you are alone.
- Keep children and pets away from campfires and make sure they cannot get near any open flame sources.
- Be sure to extinguish all campfires before leaving the campsite to avoid the risk of starting a forest fire.
- Never leave any food unattended around an open flame or stovetop burner.
- Always have a fire extinguisher and smoke detector in your RV or campsite.
- Keep your tent clear of any flammable materials such as wood or leaves.
- Never leave your tent unattended while cooking outside of it.
- Use caution when lighting candles inside or near tents or other flammable materials.
- Always have an emergency kit. Pack it and test it before you go camping.
A Final Word On What I Need To Know About Camping Safety
As you can see, there are a lot of important things to keep in mind when camping. Camping can be a fun experience for the whole family. However, it’s important to remember that camping poses some unique safety challenges over other types of vacations.
If you are planning a camping trip with your family, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. We hope that the information we provided here will help you have a successful trip and make sure no one gets hurt while camping.
If you need an RV for your next camping trip in the Eastern Sierras or would like more information on our RV rental services, please give the Adventure in Camping team a call today at (760) 935-4890 or go to https://www.adventureincamping.com/trailers/ to reserve now.
