Summer Camping: Stay Safe, Have Fun
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Enjoying the outdoors with friends and family is what camping is all about. However, if you're planning a camping trip this summer, there's a little more to it than just packing up the tent, sleeping bags and a cooler full of food.
Planning ahead to make your trip safe and healthy is the key to an amazing summer adventure. Prepare a check list of things to do before you head off to a campsite and you'll have a worry-free camping trip. If you aren't sure where to set up your tent or trailer, check out our list of top camping sites that are right here in Rhode Island.
Prepare a First Aid Kit: Before you leave home, make sure your First Aid is in order. This includes bandages and gauze in various sizes; antiseptic ointment and creams; sterile wipes; tweezers; scissors; a small knife; sunblock; sunburn relief spray; and even anti-diarrhea medicine. One-use ice packs and a pain reliever such as Motrin or Tylenol are all good extras to add to your checklist. For a comprehensive list, read the recommendations from the American Red Cross here.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTGet Vaccinated: That's right, it might be time for a shot. Make sure everyone has their vaccinations up to date by checking with your family physician.
Become Fire Savvy: If you'll be lighting a campfire at night, make sure to educate yourself on the basics of fire safety. Take along a bucket for water and you may want to take along some pruners to trim small tree branches that might be dangerously dangling over your fire. Use either a metal fire ring or plenty of big rocks to encircle your campfire. If you're cooking on the campfire, it's essential that you take only fireproof cooking equipment.
Brush up on Your Poisonous Plant Knowledge: Nothing ruins a camping trip more than someone who has an allergic reaction to a plant such as poison ivy. Know what the plants that just might cause days of a painful, itchy rash look like. The big contenders in Rhode Island? Poison sumac and poison ivy. Read more about these plants and how to treat the rash if one of your campers comes in contact with the leaves here.
Prepare and Store Food Safely: Pack your food in tight, waterproof bags or containers. An insulated cooler is a must. Raw foods should be kept separate from cooked foods. Plenty of fresh water is essential, so pack extra. Food-borne illnesses will not make for a pleasant camping trip so read up on safe food handling practices here. Don't forget to keep your campsite clean. If not, you might have some wild animals coming by for a snack late at night.
Prepare for the worst: Sounds a little daunting, but getting lost or injured while camping can happen. Aside from a well-stocked First Aid kit, take along a compass, rain ponchos, a whistle, pocket knife and waterproof fire starter. Check and double-check weather forecasts before you leave on your trip so you can pack appropriate clothing. Summer nights aren't always hot and muggy.
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