Whether your camping experience is by tent, RV, or motor home,here are some safety tips to help ensure you have a safe and fun outing. +Pack a camping first aid kit. Your first aid supply kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. +Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, why not consider a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection. +Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives. +Before you leave, 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 worse passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times. +Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts. Check the site for sharp objects, ant beds, and poison ivy. +Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent or RV to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. +Make sure your fires are always attended. 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 reignite later. +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 or use in your tent. +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. Bug spray will offer some relief. Keep your tent or RV doors closed to prevent access to insects. +Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable - never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night - many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away. +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.
Check out our camping first aid kits that are suitable for hiking, backpacking or being outdoors.
The information contained on this site is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider.If you are in a life threatening or emergency medical situation, seek medical assistance immediately.
