Travel

Camp Safety Rules All Campers Must Learn

Camping is an affluent escape into the great wilderness that offers you respite from the daily routines and an event of reawakening interaction with nature. While venturing into wilderness has some obstacles which need preparation and proper measures for facing them, but being careless and circumventing safety measures will all too soon transform an unforgettable trip into a hazardous disaster. As thus an experienced camper or newcomer, then it’s always essential that you learn and adhere to basic safety tips so you may have a safe and fun time。

One of the first and foremost camping safety rules starts far in advance of your first step into the backcountry. Vehicle preparation for use, particularly on forays into distant or antagonistic country, is paramount since failure will ruin your whole trip. Study of the environment—attractant of probable contact with wildlife, of bugs and beasts you’d rather not meet and safe first-aid treatment for bites and stings—is a close second in importance. Inspection of equipment, of tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment, assures you it will function and hold up under environmental stress. If you’re medically troubled, a physician’s consultation and carrying adequate medicine is the ticket since medical facilities will be far and between. 

Selecting a good campsite has a direct effect on your safety. Do not choose campsites where you see obvious hazards like dead trees or branches that may fall over, ant hills, and floodplains. Your tent will be set up on flat ground and a safe distance—at least 15 feet—all the way from campfire or barbecue grill. A good campsite will also provide a distance between where you sleep and where you store foods so as not to attract wildlife, particularly in bear country where the smell of foods attracts hazardous wildlife near. Storing foods in bear-proof containers or inside your vehicle makes a campsite safe. Clear leaves and dry grass and inflammable material inside your tent site so as not to increase your chance of having an unintentional fire. Put stakes and poles in easily visible points with brightly painted markers so as not to trip on them.

The fire safety is the top priority when camping. Campfires will be warm and cozy but must be conducted responsibly. Never conduct fires anywhere except special fire rings or pits and maintain low flames in terms of height. Never leave fires behind and always maintain a bucket of water or sand nearby to extinguish the fire totally before sleeping back at the camp or leaving it behind. Smothering smoldering coals and embers is required so as not to trigger forest fires. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be experienced when fuel-burning equipment is used in the tents or enclosed areas and this is a possibility of poisoning when using gas stoves, heaters, and lanterns that have a tendency of releasing this deadly gas.

The weather in the wild may be unpredictable as it may change to a very strong storm in a few minutes. Be informed checking the weather forecast regularly and know how the weather may change by spiked temperature drops, clouding skies, or wind increase. Make sure you possess the appropriate rain gear, sturdy accommodation, and warm garments. Thunderstorms hit in summer in the mountains so plan outdoor exercise for early morning. Form a plan for an alternative source of protection at all times between your auto and an overall destination and make sure you carry spares of tarps and rope to support tents when heavy winds are predicted.

Also neglected in many cases are water safety and hygiene. Carry ample supply of safe drinking water or a good water filtration device so that there is no suffered water born diseases. Swimming or boating in rivers or lakes must wear life jackets and avoid swimming alone. To protect against insects, use insect repellent containing DEET and think about treating clothing with permethrin to help prevent tick or mosquito bites that can cause illnesses such as Lyme disease, Zika, or dengue. Long sleeved tops and pants during hiking in a wooded environment are also a help in reduction of bites.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a thorough first aid kit that will include various supplies will come in handy. It must have such basics as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, pain relievers, and any prescription drugs. Add items covering certain risks, e.g. an EpiPen in case of severe allergies. Keeping the kit easily within reach and familiarization of rudimentary first aid protocol may be the determining factor between the treatment of mild injury or condition and full hospitalization.

Wheresoever these values come first, a jungle trip is a fun and safe one rather than a hazardous one. All great stories of camping depend on an exploration of the magic of nature in a safe and responsible way. Thus rationally plan your gear, look where you end up and explore the wilderness with confidence. Your future camp trip is worth nothing less.