Spending the Fourth of July camping around the Great Basin in the great outdoors seems like an ideal holiday weekend. It’s refreshing, relaxing and peaceful. Make sure you keep it safe with these safety precautions from out friends at The Camping Fire.
Camping Safety Tips:
• Never camp alone. The buddy system is always smart.
• Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, over the counter antihistamine and sunscreen.
• Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this includes: a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection.
• Treating emergencies. If you are going to be in the back country or out of cell phone reach, you may want to take a class in CPR before you go. If you are in cell phone range, be sure your battery is charged so you can call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergencies. If a person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin hands-only CPR. TWO simple steps for hands-only CPR. #1 Call 9-1-1 or send someone to call 9-1-1. #2 Push hard and fast. Put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and put the other hand on top of the first. Push hard, straight down, at least two inches. Push fast giving 100-120 compressions per minute until help arrives. To know if you’re pushing fast enough, think of the tempo from the song “Stayin’ Alive.” Push at least that fast.
• Before you leave, find out the weather report. When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worst passes. Stay dry – wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
• Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set-up camp.
• Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain.
• Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.
• Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.
• Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.
• Make sure your fire is always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically – a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to re-ignite.
• Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric, and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.
• Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle – use the proper recycling bins if available. If hiking, everything that is carried in must be carried out and properly disposed of.
• Be cautious when using a propane stove. Read the instructions that come with the stove and propane cylinder. Use the stove as a cooking appliance only – never leave it unattended while it’s burning.
• Watch out for bugs. Use an insect repellant that contains DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Hornets, bees, mosquitoes, wasps, and yellow jackets are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly – instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them.
• Beware when encountering wildlife. To ward off bears, keep your campsite clean, cook away from your tent and do not leave food, garbage, coolers, cooking equipment or utensils out in the open. Place all items, including all personal items such as toothpaste, in bear lockers that are located at most campgrounds. DO NOT store any of these items anywhere in an automobile. When in the backcountry, use a bear-proof food storage container or hang your food approximately 30 feet above the ground and six feet away from the trunk of a tree. Remember that bears are potentially dangerous and unpredictable – never feed or approach a bear. Use a flashlight at night – many animals feed at night and the use of a flashlight may warn them away.
• Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine.
• Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group from becoming ill.
• Share your travel plans with someone. Before you leave for the great outdoors, tell someone where you plan to camp and when you expect to return. Give them your full itinerary. If you are hiking into the backcountry, leave a copy of your itinerary on the dashboard of your car. Make sure it is fully visible to emergency personnel.