Family camping is a great way to bond with your family and enjoy the outdoors. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t take a few precautions before hitting the road. Here are simple key steps you can take to ensure your family’s safety-and a lot of fun-on your next camping trip.
- Pack right. When going camping with your family, it’s important to remember that you will be spending the entire trip with your tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and tent sheeting. You can’t afford to include extra stuff you don’t need since this will drag down the weight of the tent and limit the amount of gear you can store. Not only that, but camping is a mobile experience, so it’s important to pack light. Bring only what you absolutely need.
- Come prepared. Camping is no exception when it comes to staying safe. Whether it’s exploring the wilderness, eating great food, or spending quality time with loved ones, camping is a great way to get away from it all. However, venturing into nature poses certain risks that demand caution. Unpredictable weather conditions can quickly turn a peaceful outing into a dangerous situation. It’s essential to check weather forecasts before heading out and pack the appropriate gear to stay warm and dry. Additionally, injuries are a possibility, so having a well-stocked first aid kit and basic knowledge of wilderness first aid can be crucial to staying safe in the out of doors while camping. Bugs and insects can also pose a threat, so carrying insect repellent and wearing protective clothing can help prevent bites and stings. To ensure a safe camping experience, it’s important to come prepared and bring a list of emergency phone numbers in case any unforeseen circumstances arise.
- Leave your itinerary with everyone. A great camping trip is all about relaxing and having fun, but there are a few things you can do to make sure you get to your destination safely. This should include important locations you hope to see, like hotels and restaurants. Keep all contact information updated in case of an emergency. Also, let someone know your itinerary. Tell a family member or friend. That way, they can look out for you when things come up, like an emergency or getting lost.
- With children, check the exact location of everyone’s sleeping quarters before leaving. Safety should be your priority when camping. When you are readying the family for camping, check the exact location of everyone’s sleeping quarters before leaving. Assure that the family is settled and that no one has wandered off.
- Know the area you will be camping in. Family camping can be a great way to spend quality time with those closest to you, but it’s important to do your research first. Whatever level of camper you are, it’s always important to do a thorough research of the area you will be camping in, such as mountains, lakes, rivers, etc.
- Don’t over plan. Camping is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the family to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. It’s less expensive, provides a lot of exercise, and best of all, it provides lots of quality time with your family. But you don’t have to over plan. It can be good to be a little flexible.
- Pack a first aid kit. First, gear up for your upcoming trip by packing the right items. Include a first aid kit, which proves invaluable for addressing common mishaps like blisters, trips, cuts, or other injuries. Store your first aid kit in your camping or survival gear bag for easy access when needed. For enhanced safety during emergencies, contemplate undergoing training and obtaining a BLS/CPR Certification. This certification equips you with life-saving skills, enabling you to respond effectively to more serious medical situations. By taking this step, you ensure that you can take immediate action in the event of a medical emergency, contributing to the overall well-being of yourself and those around you.
- Bring a portable phone charger. Your family camping trip will be more enjoyable if you have all of your devices charged up and ready to go. Pack a portable charger that will keep your phone, tablet, and other devices fully charged and ready to use.
- Set your watch to CDT/GMT/CEST. The first thing you will need to do is set your watch to Central Daylight Time (CDT). It’s easier for people to get sleep when their body clocks are in sync with the season of camping.
- Don’t drive or drink alcohol. Planning a family camping trip can be a fun and rewarding experience. If everything goes according to plan, you’ll be leaving your everyday life and routine behind and embarking on an adventure. But, as any good camper knows, things don’t always go as planned. It is never a good idea to drive while under the influence, as drunk driving is against the law and puts everyone at risk for injury and death.
If you’re planning a family camping trip, it’s important to think the number one tip is safety first. Staying safe while camping requires more than just nature’s protection. It also requires some basic planning and knowing what to do when things go awry.