| No doubt about it, camping can be fun. But, if you | | | | and leaving. |
| don't pay attention to safety, your fun camping | | | | 5. Go Over Safety Issues with Family Members. |
| outing can turn into the camping trip from Hell. | | | | Make sure family members are aware of |
| What are some of the most important camping | | | | poisonous plants in the area. Be sure the children |
| safety tips you should know? | | | | understand that they should never drink from any |
| 1. Plan Ahead. Do your research. Make sure the | | | | stream or river, regardless of how clean it may |
| campground you've chosen is a safe one. Make | | | | look. Finally, issue each member of your family a |
| sure there are no current fire dangers. Check out | | | | whistle for emergency use only. |
| the weather. Any health alerts in the area, such | | | | 6. Be Fire Safe. Make sure there are no current |
| as dangerous bacteria count in the water, or | | | | fire restrictions before building any fire, and don't |
| outbreak of any rodent-carrying viruses? | | | | build a fire if there are strong winds. When you do |
| 2. Pack the Emergency Kit. Be prepared for cuts, | | | | build a fire, keep it in the fire ring, and make sure |
| bee stings and allergic reactions. Bring | | | | there are no flammable items near the fire. Do |
| antihistamines, antiseptic, bug sprays and insect | | | | not use heating devices or candles inside the tent. |
| repellents, pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen and | | | | Never leave your campfire unattended, and keep |
| if possible, a snake-bite kit. | | | | the area clear of leaves and twigs. Before going |
| An emergency kit should also include the following | | | | to bed, make sure the campfire is property put |
| items: Whistle, flashlight, compass, a small Swiss | | | | out by drowning it with water. |
| Army knife, razor blades, tweezers, magnifying | | | | 7. Be Aware of Wild Animals. Be sure to |
| glass, sterilized water packets for cleaning | | | | familiarize yourself and your family with safety |
| wounds, emergency blanket, thermometer, cold | | | | concerning wild animals. Wild animals have acute |
| pack, and a mirror. A mirror can be helpful when | | | | senses of smell. Make sure you keep your |
| signaling for help. Some people also use a CD. If | | | | campsite clean and free of food or garbage which |
| you can afford them, a pair of night-vision goggles | | | | might attract them. It is best to store all food, |
| can also be a help in an emergency. | | | | garbage and strong-smelling items (such as soap |
| 3. Arrive at the Campsite Early. Arriving early, | | | | or toothpaste) in bear-resistant containers or your |
| with ample daylight, allows you to examine the | | | | vehicle. Keep your sleeping bag and tent |
| entire campsite and set up while there's still light. | | | | completely free of food and food odors, and set |
| Be on the lookout for sharp objects, broken glass, | | | | up your cooking and eating area at least 100 |
| huge ant beds, branches, poison ivy, hazardous | | | | yards from your tent. Do not go to sleep in the |
| terrain and bees. | | | | same clothing you cooked in, as even the cooking |
| 4. Build your Tent on a Safe Spot. Make sure | | | | smells can attract bears and other wild animals. |
| your tent is flame-resistant and keep it at a safe | | | | While it may seem like attention to safety takes |
| distance from the campfire. Try to pitch your | | | | the fun out of camping, in reality it helps ensure |
| tent on elevated land so it doesn't flood in case of | | | | that your camping vacation is a fun time for the |
| rain. In order to keep the bugs out, make sure | | | | whole family. And, isn't having fun the point of |
| you close your tent immediately upon entering | | | | camping? |