Get out and enjoy nature, but be prepared for anything
It’s no surprise that nearly 100 million North American households consider themselves campers, according to the Kampgrounds of America, Inc. 2022 North American Camping Report. Camping is an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and connect with nature.
Before making a beeline for the woods, a lake or some other idyllic camping spot, consider the following safety tips from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
• Be prepared. Pack a first-aid kit, along with essential supplies, like a flashlight and extra batteries, bedding, food, water, sunscreen, bug spray and matches.
• Keep an eye on the sky. Know the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Dress for the elements. Bring sturdy shoes, rain and cold weather gear, and extra clothes. The key is to stay dry and warm.
• Drink water. When outdoors and exposed to the elements, a person tends to rehydrate more often. Bring some from home, if there won’t be any drinkable water at the destination.
• Keep an eye out on family and friends, to make sure their energy levels and health are in good shape, while camping and out exploring the land. Know when to turn back around, go to a back-up plan or pack up.
• Don’t spoil the outing with bad food. To help prevent foodborne illness, keep any perishable foods in a well-iced cooler. Use sealable bags or tight containers, to separate raw and cooked foods. Not only will it be fresher this way, it will attract less unwanted attention from wildlife. Cook meats to a safe internal temperature, just like at home.
• Watch for ticks. Check adults, kids and pets for ticks regularly.
• Avoid contact with wildlife. While it is certainly tempting to approach wildlife, this can be very dangerous. Watch from a safe distance or carefully go the other direction.
• If campfires are allowed, build it in a safe place. For example, look for a designated fire ring free of vegetation. Keep the fire small and never leave it unattended. To put it out, drown it with water, stir and repeat until there are cold embers.
• Keep it clean. Wash hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent the spread of germs and disease. Use biodegradable soap. Keep the campsite clean, too. Don’t leave any trash behind on the way out.
“Make sure to pack prescriptions, so you don’t have a medical emergency while you’re out in the woods,” said Rachel Laszko, MD. “In case something does happen, you also want to have your provider’s phone number on-hand, as well as your health insurance information.”
