5 Safety Tips for First Time Campers

 

First-time campers have a great deal to look forward to.  Whether you're venturing out for a solo camping experience, going with your best mate or including the entire family, camping out in nature can be a fun, rewarding adventure that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

And, while camping can be both fun and entertaining, it also presents a certain degree of danger.  It's important for first-time campers to be aware of these dangers and to take steps to mitigate them wherever possible.

Safety Tips For First-Time Campers

Here are some safety tips to consider for first-time campers.

1. Site Safety

Choosing an appropriate camp site will depend on several factors including age and condition of group members and any physical limitations or medical requirements.  If you're staying at an established campground, you may have access to amenities not available out in the wilds, including restrooms, grocery stores, cell phone service, etc.

2. Fire Safety

Fire danger is ever-present for campers who are cooking and enjoying gatherings around a campfire.  Here are some fire safety tips:

• Don't build your fire beneath low-hanging trees
• Keep a water supply and/or fire extinguisher close at hand in case your fire gets out of control
• Don't leave your fire unattended
• Put out your fire completely before retiring
• Utilize available fire pits at campgrounds

3. Insect and Plant Safety

When going for nature hikes, you may sometimes accidentally come in contact with poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  Learn what these plants look like, try to avoid them by staying on an established path and have some medications available such as oral antihistamines and topical creams or lotions.  Certain insects such as mosquitos can also be dangerous to your health.  Wear bug spray at all times when camping, even when sleeping, and use mosquito netting.

4. Water Safety

If partaking in water activities know water safety rules.  Know how to swim and, if boating, wear a life jacket.  Read any signs in or around the water and make sure someone in your group knows how to perform CPR.  Don't go into the water in the presence of lightning.

5. Food Safety 

Before your trip you'll need to plan what you'll want to eat and pack it in air/water-tight plastic containers, with perishables stored in an insulated cooler.  Avoid feeding any wild animals and keep food out of their reach!