Don't Let Your Camping Trip Turn Disastrous!
There are several things that could turn your exciting camping adventure into a nightmare if the proper care and precautions are not met. The list is fairly short, but very serious. Just be sure to watch it as you go! Having fun is what you are going to do, and being careful is the way to make that happen.
Accidents - There are many accidents you can have while camping such as getting lost, breaking a bone, drowning, or even cutting yourself.
- Don't allow wondering off alone alone if you are in a wilderness area.
- Don't swim alone or allow anyone else to.
- Use caution when using a knife or hatchet.
- Always wear life jackets when they are needed.
- Use extreme caution when hiking or climbing.
- Everyone needs a whistle in case they need help right away.
Fire Safety - Almost always there is a need for fire when camping, but for your safety and others, use every precaution.
- Don't ever leave a burning fire unattended.
- Don't build your fire under trees
- Use a designated fire ring if one is available, if not make one.
- Under extreme dry conditions, don't make a fire unless it is a necessity.
- If you smoke, consider using a smoking alternative like an electric cigarette instead.
- Never throw a lit cigarette down in the wilderness or even a campground.
- Always completely extinguish a fire before you leave the area with dirt or saturate with water.
- Don't make your fire close to your tents.
Wild Animals - Even in campgrounds you could encounter wild animals, snakes or poisonous insects.
- Don't leave food out in the open, use a container that wildlife can't get into.
- If bears are present, hang food in bag over a tree branch out of reach away from camp.
- Store your food and cook it away form your sleeping tents.
- Keep tents zipped at all times to keep out snakes and insects.
- Don't feed wild animals even if they appear tame like some deer or squirrels might.