Camping is an excellent way to have fun and spend more time in nature, but no one should start an adventure in the woods without thinking about their well-being. It’s vital to keep health and safety in mind when camping this year. You’ll prevent potential issues and mitigate dangers that may arise for even the most experienced campers.
1. Dispose Of Trash Properly
Enjoy your s’mores, stews and chillis during your upcoming camping trip. There are many fun recipes to make over the fire, but don’t forget that there are hungry animals just beyond the treeline.
Everyone should keep food waste in odor-proof bags and place trash in the designated receptacles at their chosen campsite. They’re often at least 300 feet from tents or RVs to keep animals away from campers if someone throws food away improperly.
2. Watch For Ticks
Mosquitos and flies are nuisances, so it’s easy to think insects will stay far away with a bottle of bug spray. However, ticks also pose a problem while you’re in the woods. They detect campers and hikers by body heat, odors and vibrations. They’ll latch onto you to feed on your blood, which makes you vulnerable to Lyme disease.
There were nearly 24,000 cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. in 2019. People often go to the hospital with symptoms like fevers, headaches and rashes, which can kill you if the infection remains untreated. Check for ticks hanging onto your legs, neck, scalp and arms throughout your trip to understand if you need to seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
3. Saturate Embers In Fire Pits
After you’ve finished enjoying your campfire for the night, saturate it with a bucket of water. Although the flames may burn out, embers will still glow beneath the wood and tinder. A strong wind could blow them against your tent or into the woods and start a fire. The simple step of dousing your campfire will prevent potential fires.
4. Avoid Wild Animals
You may see adorable-looking wild animals when hiking near your campsite. They may even approach you with a friendly demeanor. However, it’s never a good idea to interact with them. They may carry diseases or follow you for food. Take photos of animals from a distance to protect yourself and other campers.
5. Wear Strong Sunscreen
Medical experts recommend wearing 60 SPF sunscreen when spending time outdoors. That level of sun protection factor or higher will keep your skin from burning and potentially developing skin cancer. Even if you’re only lounging at your campsite, applying sunscreen a few times daily will protect you from uncomfortable burns and long-term health risks.
6. Check Your Camping Equipment
Checking your equipment is critical after returning home from your camping trip. Ensure your tent isn’t wet before storing it to prevent mold growth on the lining. Clean your coolers to banish leftover food.
Toss your clothes and shoes in the washing machine to kill bacteria you may have picked up while swimming or hiking. You should also check your equipment for tears, leaks and cracks and replace any broken supplies before your next vacation. It could save you from a flooded tent or leaking propane tank that would endanger you and your family.
Stay Safe While Camping
There are many health and safety tips to keep in mind when camping. Simple precautionary steps like avoiding animals, checking your body for ticks and disposing of food properly will keep everyone safe at your campsite. Set reminders if you don’t think you’ll remember these steps to prevent potentially dangerous situations and stay safe while you’re having fun outdoors. That way, you’ll have a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
