Camping Safety Tips to Get You Ready For Summer

Camping is an excellent recreational activity for families to enjoy together whether you prefer camping in a tent, RV, or pop-up trailer. This summer make sure to take a few precautions while enjoying your trip. Everyone will have a fun and memories to last a lifetime. Here are a some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this camping trip. Most of these are just common sense but it is always good to be reminded once in a while.

- Some State and National forests do not allow the use of camping stoves during high fire danger periods. Chech to make sure that camping stoves, barbeques, and campfires are allowed in your camp area.

- Do not use camp cooking appliances when it is rainy or windy.

- Make sure you have adequate lighting while cooking and preparing foods.

- Never leave your cooking area unattended while appliances are turned on or fires are lit.

- Wait until all cooking appliances have cooled before leaving your cooking area.

- Keep a 3 foot childfree zone around your cooking area.

- Keep your cooking area and the area around campfires free of clutter, especially from items like paper towels, paper plates, and other flammable materials, as well as items that could be tripped over.

- Keep dry leaves and pine needles away from your cooking areas.

- Always include potholders, lids for pots and pans, and a fire extinguisher with your camping supplies. An ABC fire extinguisher is the most preferred.

- Never use water on a grease fire or try to move a pan with burning oil. If you feel you are able to hold a lid with an oven mitt and gently place it over the pan on fire without getting injured, do so. Do not move the pan until it has cooled.

- Purchase tents that are UL listed as flame retardant.

- Set up tents away from the campfire area.

- Use flashlights or battery powered lanterns inside tents or other enclosed spaces.

- Always build your campfire down wind, away from your tent.

- Build your campfire in an area that is free of vegetation. If a fire pit is provided, always use it.

- Make sure your fire pit is deep enough to keep the fire contained and there are rocks surrounding the pit.

- Store lighter fluid away from tents and campfires.

- Always put out a campfire before going to bed or leaving the campsite.

- To extinguish the fire, cover it with dirt or pour water over it.

- Keep pets out of the cooking and fire areas.

- Always carry water and some food while hiking.

- Do not park cars or RVs over dry vegetation, this can cause a fire.

- Be aware of your surroundings while smoking.

- Always be aware of wildlife and teach yourself and your children how to defend themselves from an attack. In some areas bears are very prominent. If you are camping in an area with bears, always follow the rules of the campground regarding food storage.

By: Christy Tuller
Christy Tuller is an expert on several topics and enjoys camping with her family and dogs. Have a safe and fun camping season! For more tips and ideas check out my blog Camping In The Western States at http://mrstscampwest.blogspot.com