Summer Camping: Safety Tips to Follow
Summer is right around the corner, and your thoughts are probably turning to fun activities you can do with the family. Summer is a time of long careless days and fun in the sun. However, if you're considering going on a camping trip with your family this season, there are a few safety tips and rules you should follow, so that you can all have fun, but still be responsible while doing it.
Bring the Right Clothing
Even when camping in July and August, you need to bring along more than shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits. The nights can still get chilly, so make sure to bring jeans, long-sleeved shirts, and a lightweight waterproof jacket in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. While trendy clothing is all the rage when camping, basic, no-nonsense clothing will help you out as well.
Pack the Right Footwear
You're going to have your time of going barefoot down by the water and wearing the sandals and flip-flops of summer, however, you're also going to need to chop wood, start fires, and put up a tent. There are any number of jobs to do when you're on a camping trip and all of those jobs call for the right type of footwear. While you're packing those flip-flops and tennis shoes, don't forget to add in a pair of steel toe lace up boots for your safety when doing the jobs that are dangerous.
Always Have Ready Access to Safe Drinking Water
Staying properly hydrated is important no matter what time of the year you're camping, but it's even more important in the dog days of summer. Keep plenty of bottled water on hand and never drink from rivers, lakes, or streams that could be unsafe and make you and your family sick. Staying hydrated is extremely important, so this is one tip you don't want to forget.
Prepare Your Campsite Ahead of Time
Make sure that the area you're using as a campsite is relatively flat and very clean before you start setting up tents, chairs, and tables. If at all possible, you'll want to treat the area with a chemical-free product that prevents ticks and fleas, then set your tent and eating spots away from any tall grass to prevent bites and possibly snakes. Preparing your campsite ahead of setting up your camp is the best way to avoid dangerous insects and animals.
Teach Children to Watch for Wild Animals
Wild animals are going to be found easily at a remote campsite, so you need to be prepared, as well as preparing your children ahead of time. Teach your children to admire animals, such as raccoons and others, from afar. They should never approach any type of wild animal, as they could be dangerous and some carry rabies. It's important for you and your children to realize that while wild animals are pretty and some even look tame, they are wild and can be dangerous when threatened.
Stay on Hiking Trails
For some, there is nothing better than heading off on a hike during a camping trip. While it's a great way to commune with nature and see the sights, you should never venture off the marked trails that are provided. Always wear light-colored clothing when hiking so that if anything happens you can be easily spotted by rescuers. Staying on the hiking trails keeps you from becoming lost and helps prevent you from picking up ticks in wooded areas.
These are just a few of the safety tips you and your family should follow when camping this upcoming season. Camping is meant to be fun and making sure you are prepared can help keep it that way.