Camping Safety Made Easy – AuroraCup

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Choose your campsite and pack appropriately for a relaxing experience with these camping safety tips.

Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, camping is a great way to stay in nature: sleep under the stars, roast hot dogs on fire, and hike in the woods. Enjoy your time away from them all and reduce your risk of injury with camping safety tips.

Get ready

When packing

Whether you are packing your RV or tent, be sure to include a first aid kit in your cargo. Your kit should include hydrocortisone creams and antihistamines for allergic reactions and rashes, as well as wound cleansers and ointments. The Red Cross offers a list of first aid kits needed to be included in your kit. Learn more camping tents hub

Camp safely

Camp setup

Choose a campground with security features, such as a security gate, perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, and night patrols. The safest camping areas are well lit and close to the center of the field. Be sure to arrive before dark so you have time to survey, unpack and set fire to your camping area. Avoid setting up tents near water, under dead tree limbs, or near insect nests and poisonous plants. Also look for broken glass, sharp rocks, and other hazards that can cause injury. Use a plastic sheet for extra protection between the ground and the tent. Just make sure that the tarp does not extend beyond the width of the tent so that water does not accumulate when it rains.

Use Security Systems

Many new RVs are equipped with in-car safety systems. If your camper does not have this feature, install motion-sensing lights in your camping area to prevent potential predators and nocturnal animals. Install lights in the rear, near entrances, and in blind spots.

Get to Know your Neighbors

Introduce yourself to other campers. Spending time with them can help you gauge their credibility. When you are away, they may be able to take care of your belongings and tell you if there are any unwanted guests hiding in your area.

Lock up Valuables in your Camping Area

Never leave items in the outer compartment of the RV. Many RVs use the Universal Key to open these storage areas. Instead, keep luggage safe inside a camper, trailer, or car when you’re away. If you have an RV, lower the blinds to keep the interior hidden. For an extra layer of security, buy a small safe and hide it somewhere inside.

Camp safely

Make a campfire

Make fires in fire circles or pits surrounded by rocks away from tents and low-hanging branches. Control fires and never leave them unattended. Always carry a bucket or shovel of water to put out the fire. Check to see if there are signs at the entrance to the camp that prohibit arson, and if so, pay attention.

Camp food preparation

Store food in airtight containers and insulated coolers, keep raw and cooked foods separate and refrigerate cold foods. Since you are cooking outdoors, clean your station frequently and wash your hands. When you heat food, make sure it is at a safe temperature before eating. When you’re done, keep leftovers in closed, pet protection containers and place the trash in an approved garbage container just outside your camping area, which is tightly safe for pets. Is.

Hiking

Wear your socks, strong shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and long pants in layers that you can quickly remove. Also, pack sunscreen, a map, a compass, water, packed snacks, and bug spray with DEET. Take your cell phone with you. Not all places will have service, but if they do, your phone can be a valuable resource if you get lost or need help. Whistling is also a good idea. Stay on hiking trails and stop frequently to relax and rehydrate.

Exploring wildlife

Wild animals can be unpredictable and cause disease. It’s best to take your binoculars and look at them from a distance. If you are camping in an area where bears live, make sure you know what to do if you encounter them.

When you go to bed

Pack extra blankets and layers of clothing instead of relying on heaters for heating fuel. The use of heaters and other incinerators in confined spaces can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Learn more tips for safe camping.  Forest service.