Staying Safe During Camping Trips

Camping is a favorite hobby of many American families. It's the time when a family or a group of friends try to get away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives and enjoy one another's company. Nature lovers also get to be one with nature and people are challenged by trying to survive against the elements with just the bare necessities.

Safety should be practiced at all times. Especially when you're out camping, you don't want to run into any accidents or have someone hurt. As they always say, safety first! Here are some safety tips that you can do to avoid any accidents which would enable you to spend the best quality time with your family or friends while you're out camping.

The weather is always unpredictable. It can be sunny then cloudy the next. Check local weather news before going out camping and be prepared for it. Bring appropriate apparel for the weather forecast.

Bring something that will let you have access to the outside world. Cell phones, 2 way radio and transistor radio (to let you know about current news about the weather and the area you are in)

Think of the worst case scenario; bring extra clothes and food just in case. Bring flashlights and extra batteries as well.

If the whole family goes out camping, tell your neighbour where you are going and when you will come back so they know where you are if someone drops by unexpectedly and looks for you.

Try to return to camp before it gets too dark. Days are shorter during winter and longer in the summer.

Campgrounds or forests might also be shelter to snakes, insects and poisonous plants. Be cautious every time you're out there.

In order to avoid insect bites or running into any kind of animal, always stay on trail and avoid grassy, bushy areas.

Do not wear shorts on trail; choose jogging pants or pants made out of light fabric if it's too hot.

Have an emergency plan. In case of emergencies, all your family members should be aware of this.

Set up a meeting place and tell every member of your family if in case someone gets lost.

Always bring a first aid kit to your camping trip. Before leaving your house, check if there's enough bandages, band aids and other materials. Check also the expiration dates of medicines and ointments. Don't forget to bring insect repellant and anti-itch lotion.

Know how to administer first aid to common sicknesses or accidents that may happen. Also teach other family members so they can also give first aid to other family members if the need arises.

Additional camp-fire tips:

Keep fires small, you just need enough fire to keep you warm or roast marshmallows, not to start a whole forest fire. Always keep water in hand to extinguish the fire if the need arises. Never leave a fire unattended.

Do not cut branches from trees, always use dead wood that's lying in the ground.