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HOME SAFETY By SW Ambulance's William P. Spurbeck, Certified Emergency Paramedic
Camping Safety
Planning a safe family camping trip can be an enjoyable experience if you
are prepared. Knowing your limits, taking the time to plan ahead, and packing
the right items will help your adventure go off without a hitch.
If you are not skilled in the outdoors, begin your adventures by taking day trips. But even during day trips, you have to be aware of camping safety issues, such as insect bites, plants that may cause rashes and allergic reactions, exposure to heat, wind, water, and cold, and getting lost.
Once families feel comfortable with their camping skills, they may want to spend a planned few days or a week in a wilderness park. Before you head into the wild, gather information from park rangers, read guide books about the terrain and weather, and talk with campers who've been where you want to go.
In the case of an emergency, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. During an emergency, families need to decide together on the best plan of action, examining the resources available. Before your trip, notify friends and families of your destination and time of return.
Always stay on the safe side when setting boundaries for family camping; the more remote you are, the more care you should take in choosing your activities. Survey campsites for riverbanks and cliffs. Check out climbing trees for dead branches and moss, both of which cause falls. Everyone can learn about the world around them while exploring the outdoors, and your entire family can enjoy camping and the woods safely.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
