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62 – Safety and Precautions While Camping!
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ALWAYS pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting orallergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen.
Remember to bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this includes: a map, compass, flashlight, knife,waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high-energy food, water and insect protection.
Learn to deal with emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
Before you leave for camping, find out the weather report.
When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worst is over.
Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss - Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear dry at all times!
Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set up camp.
Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain.
Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem!
Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site with trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts!
NEVER use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead!
Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat.
Make sure your fires are always attended to. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically - a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to re-unite later.
Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric, and set it up far enough from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.
Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle - use the proper recycling bins if available.
Be cautious when using a propane stove. Read the instructions that come with the stove and propane cylinder.
Use the stove as a cooking appliance only - never leave it unattended while it's burning!
Watch out for bugs. Hornets, bees, wasps, and yellow jackets are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly - instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them!
Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine to the affected area.
Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group becoming ill.
Always Remember To;
-- Store food properly to keep animals away and prevent food-related illnesses.
-- Drink plenty of water, especially if you're going to be active.
-- Wear sunscreen, lipscreen, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
-- Keep a safe distance from wild animals, and be aware of diseases they might carry.
-- Set up camp during the day so you can see where you're pitching your tent.
-- Bring the right clothing and gear for the weather!
-- Make sure your pets are vaccinated, and keep a close eye on them.
-- Check for ticks and remove them promptly.
-- Be aware of any allergies you might have.
-- Don't wander off alone, especially in unfamiliar areas.
-- Avoid leaving trash behind.