Ahh, the great outdoors! Fresh air and bubbling brooks and beautiful trees. What could be better than a camping trip solo or with the fam?
Well, there are a few hassles: biting and stinging insects; a blazing sun; impure water; campfire dangers; wild animals…So play it safe and keep these tips in mind.
* Bugs are more than a nuisance; they carry diseases and can even cause an allergic reaction. Keep bugs away by wearing insect repellent and carry necessary medical supplies. You might consider citronella candles or commercial bug repellent for your campsite.
* Keep your distance from wild animals, even the cute ones. Sure, that raccoon looks adorable and that deer is beautiful, but all wild animals have “wild” in their name for a reason: they are not domestic and don’t take well to humans approaching them; unpredictable behavior, even aggressive and violent, can follow.Most problems happen when we decide to feed them. So bring binoculars and enjoy the wildlife from afar.
* Beware all that slithers and crawls. For obvious reasons, you want to keep an eye out for snakes and spiders. Before sitting down on a rock, check where your fanny is landing and poke around in piles of leaves or sticks nearby before settling in for a rest. If you find yourself in a close encounter with a snake, back away slowly.
* Take care in the sun. Nothing ruins a holiday like a painful sunburn. Wear sunblock and reapply often. Hats and sunglasses are also a must.
* Don’t hike alone. If you are hurt, someone needs to be with you and be able to help–you should even tell others where you and your partner are going. Carry plenty of water and food. And a GPS never hurt!
* Keep your kids in sight. Curiosity can lead them to stray, so give them a whistle to wear so they can make loud noise if lost. Also, have a family meeting beforehand to set our safety rules and agree on a place to meet if you are separated.
* Be safe around fire. Keep it in a fire ring, don’t pour propellants on it, and don’t leave it unattended.
