Camping is such a simple way to get away and have a good time. You don’t need special training, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy it. But, you do need to learn some basic safety tips.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you should be back so they know when to call search and rescue and where to send them if you do not return.
- Check the weather before you go but be prepared for completely unexpected, very severe weather anyway.
- Take a first aid kit.
- Carry matches or a fire starter in a waterproof container.
- Learn to recognize areas where flashfloods can occur, and always plan your escape route. That means heading for higher ground as quickly as possible.
- Take the appropriate of food and water, plus a filter or water purification system in case something happens and you have to use stream or lake water.
- Wear layers. Take a change of clothes, including socks, in a water-proof bag.
- Do take a GPS and a cell phone, but don’t rely them to actually work where you are going.
- Wear and take plenty of sunscreen, plus a hat and sunglasses.
- Find out about the current rules on campfires right before you go. There may be a ban today when there wasn’t yesterday.
- Never, ever leave campfire unattended, and always make sure you have put your fire out completely before you leave.
- Do not store food in your tent.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Skip the unbelievably
awesomestupid selfie with the bear or on the edge of the cliff.
Make your camping trip even safer by reading about Backcountry Safety.
About Sandra Dalton
