Camping is a family friendly activity that invites people of all ages. Anyone can enjoy sleeping near an exciting wilderness adventure. Being out in nature and basking in the ambience of plants and animals can be a fun time. However nature can be unpredictable and at times dangerous without the right precautions.
There’s a lot of preparation going into the camping experience. Since a family is bound to be at the expense of nature’s surprises its best to be over prepared. With the proper preventative methods the trip can be worry free and more enjoyable.
Camping Safety Checklist
1. Prepare Safe Food and Water
The best memories can be centralized around the food you bring for family or friends. Before purchasing all the food supply ensure that your party has no specific allergies. Pack non-allergenic food just in case and food that can go for a long time without being refrigerated like bread or quick breakfast cereals.
Camping requires a high physical involvement. Whether that is hiking up trails or gathering wood to build a fire hydration is vital. Clean safe water is best used through water bottles or portable filters. Not only does water provide the energy to engage in these activities it’ll be an agent any chances of dizziness from dehydration or overheating.
2. Practice Campfire Safety
One of the most exciting moments of a camping trip is the campfire. It's a place to gather around for smores or campfire legends. However this can be also one of the most dangerous in regards to wildfire and skin damage. Remember to follow the according camping rules in regards to how to prepare, build, and extinguish your fire pit.
In regards to preparation gather small twigs and larger pieces of wood. Ignite the tinder with a match and add more tinder (small twigs and dry leaves). Make sure your fire is never left unattended. Bring a huge water jar or dirt and sand and pour it on top of your fire. With a large shovel take off any embers and crush it.
3. Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
You don’t want to ruin a camping trip from an unexpected poisoning incident. Camp safety is an emphasized procedure before your camping begins. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can sneak up on you and especially for anyone in an enclosed space.
Camping safety tips begins with being knowledgeable about the topic. To ensure preventive methods against carbon monoxide poisoning let’s begin with where this would emerge.
Since its odorless and colorless it may be hard to detect at first. The intro rule is not use fuel-burning equipment such as heaters or gas stoves inside the tent grounds. The carbon monoxide could rise without you knowing it. Due to the fluctuating levels of this poison its best to use those appliances outside during an isolated area.
4. Avoid Wild Animals, and Protect Family Pets
On television wild animals can seem cute and approachable but it's only because they are approached by trained professionals. These trained professionals understand the animal’s natural instincts and tendencies. A stranger will have no clue when an animal is about to attack.
Don’t touch or feed the animals because they may be searching for you the next day. Before you know it a wild animal can scrimmage for scraps so keep any food or cooking opportunities at an out of reach distance. Also protect family pets by providing a large supply of food and water near your tent so they don’t run off. Keep a close eye on family pets and keep a distance from wild animals.
5. Fight the Bug Bite
The same mosquito bites at home may not be the same type of mosquito on a campsite. There are ticks and mosquitoes ready to attack any exposed skin. Make sure to be aware of sanitation and clothing material. The more you are covered wearing long sleeves of pants it can be easily preventable. Light colored clothing can also allow you to detect any bugs faster.
Bring bug spray for your skin and also your tent. The easy spray on mosquito spray just before you go to sleep or when you step out in the morning is an easy way to combat these bugs. Also bring cooling aloe vera care just to ease the burn from a bite.
6. Prevent Temperature-Related Illness
Cool nights on a camp site may not be an easy fix with a light jacket. Bring the proper clothing and bedding to prevent any symptoms of hypothermia during the trip, especially when going extreme camping. Drink water rather than sugary drinks and be in the sun moderately.
In regards to big families going to make sure everyone is wearing light layers of clothing and drinking more than enough water. You don’t want to be in a position where you are feeling thirsty and have to be exposed to the sun. Keep a look out of resting areas with full shade. Camping can be fun as long as the temperatures are balanced out!
7. Protect Yourself from the Sun
Sunburns can happen at any time on a camping site. Regardless of cloudy skies the ultraviolet radiation will still peak through. Too much sun damage can result in skin diseases or even worse case scenarios such as skin cancer. Protecting children from the sun can be tricky because they’ll have access to high activity. Camping preparation is key to prevent sun damage.
Bring the proper clothing such as long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses. Sunscreen is a daily essential on the camping site. Since you're going to be using a lot of sunscreen make sure its a natural and sustainable sunscreen without parabens and lots of alcohol ingredients. Even if the bottle says its 24 hours sunscreen can wear off from time to time so it needs to be applied every 4 hours.
8. Choose the Right Shelter and Site
Your comfort is just as important during your bedtime. Especially with children around it can be a fun source of adventure choosing the right sleeping bag and creating lasting slumber parties. Choosing the right sleeping bag is more than just what to take to camping. A few top rated sleeping bags for toddlers is the Wenzel Backyard Mummy Sleeping Bag and the best sleeping bags for girls is the Kelty Woobie Kids Sleeping bag. It takes the correct durability, fabric, weight, and overall temperature of the one you pick.
Give yourself plenty of time to find the right site because it’ll be the main base where everyone will constantly meet. Begin with the availability of water and staying high in the mountains to experience cooler weather. Be picky and scan for any possible hazards or signs of danger.
9. Stay Up-To-Date with the Weather
The weather can have sudden changes or stay consistent throughout your trip. It’s vital to anticipate dramatic changes depending on the season you go camping. Make sure to keep a distance even during thunderstorms because they may be entertaining to watch but lighting can travel unexpectedly before striking the ground. One of the best tips for camping is to check camping weather forecasts online.
Do not underestimate the inclement camping weather like rain or winds because gallons of water can easily create damage. During these times seek shelter in isolated areas to avoid falling trees or branches. Hot camping weather requires hydration and light and shady clothing. For cold camping weather bring a waterproof parka to warm jackets and mitts. Avoid cotton materials that can easily be soaked.
10. Get Vaccinated and Be Aware of Allergies
When you’re out having a good time and looking for an endangered bug species you don’t want to be interrupted by a physical liability. Before going on your trip try to get vaccinated. The recommended vaccines are tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, and/or hepatitis A. The best is to check your immunization records and based on your own history choose the most suitable destination for your wholesome well-being.
Camping safety is an essential step to have the best of both worlds of nature and personal health. Begin with being aware of any possible allergies that may be affected based on your chosen destination. For instance check if you have any previous symptoms of food sensitivity or bug bite allergies.
Finally, camping and backpacking preparation and essentials to take vary greatly as we pointed out in our winter backpacking list.
Please leave a comment below and contribute with your valuable experience and we wish you all happy and safe camping!