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Use your common sense when participating in outdoor activities.  Always be prepared for the unexpected.  Do not take unnecessary chances. Do not be careless.  Think before you act. Safety is an issue most people do not think of much past buying a first aid kit, snake bit kit, suntan lotion and/or bug repellent. Safety just is not that popular a subject. This may be doing to the fact that most of us do not identify ourselves with accidents. You have heard the fraise, "Accidents only happen to the other guy". Tell that to the guy or gal down at that local emergency room, who by the way thought that very thing just before his/her accident. Most accidents are caused by ones own actions. These very actions can also prevent accidents. As is at home, camping holds a variety of risks and hazards, more so on a camp trip because most campers are not familiar with all of them. Care and forethought, can help to anticipate and/or avoid accidents and help in what should be done after an accident. Plan the yearly medical and dental exam near the time you plan to leave on an extended trip. This may help to prevent any unseen problems.  You should not only plan to take a first aid kit, snakebite kit, and suntan lotion and/or bug repellant, but also learn how to use them. That way if something should happen, treatment would not have to wait.  It is well worth the money to buy the latest copy of the American Red Cross First Aid manual. It contains most everything you will need to temporarily treat injuries.  Keep in mind, this manual is not a replacement to professional medical treatment. General Safety Weather Safety Medical Fire Be prepared to administer basic  first aid and CPR.    Carry a Basic First Aid Kit Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. *Take a First Aid class and a CPR class -- keep current on this information *Learn the ABC's of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives. *Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container *Keep the contents organized *Know how to use everything in your first aid kit *Inspect content often, re-supply as needed *Keep readily available at all times   Never approach wild animals They may look cute and harmless enough but they are very unpredictable and can be very territorial and protective. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. In most cases, the animals are more afraid of us and will run away. Do not attempt to feed wild animals. Most injuries occur when people try to feed them. Keep your food safely stored away. Do not keep food in your tent. Parents & Kids, remove all junk food from your pockets before going to bed!!! Look out for snakes, spiders and other critters Watch where you are walking, be careful when picking up sticks or rocks and look around before taking a seat. Again, snakes are usually more afraid of us, but if they feel threatened or if you make sudden movements they may strike. Stay calm and slowly move away from them.   Other insects  such as bees, ants, ticks, mosquitoes, etc.,  should not be taken lightly.  Not only can they be annoying but they can cause quite a bit of pain and discomfort. Many people have severe allergic reactions to their bites and need to carry necessary medical supplies or seek medical attention. Again be aware of your surroundings.  Refer to Keeping the Bugs Away for more details.   Beware of poisonous plants Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine to the affected area. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses You can get sunburn in a very short period of time even on overcast days. Protect your eyes from the strong ultraviolet rays of the sun and reduce glare from off the water or off the snow. Sunburn can ruin any vacation.     Never hike alone, always go with a friend.  Tell someone else of your plans.  Always take plenty of water, snacks, matches and a flashlight.  Don't forget your compass and trail maps.  Be aware of the weather.     Supervise your children Instruct them to stay within your sight and don't allow them to wonder off. Give them each a whistle to wear around their neck to be used only in an emergency.  Agree on a location to meet.  Consider ID bracelets.  Keep a picture of your children with you in case they get lost.    Be careful around water Watch your step and don't take chances.  Watch your children closely.  Everyone should know how to swim.       Pay attention to weather conditions  It can change very quickly.  Be prepared and act in anticipation of severe weather.  In the winter, watch out for extended exposure to cold temperatures. Frostbite and hypothermia are very dangerous. Keep an eye on each other.      Be very careful with gas canisters Keep upright at all times.  Keep outside in well ventilated area.  Check for leakage by putting soap liquid on all connections.  Turn off when not in use.  Never install or remove propane cylinders while stove is lit, near flames, pilot lights, other ignition sources or while stove is hot to the touch. Be careful not to spill fuel.  Use funnel to fill tank     Do not operate stove or store fuel containers around another heat source such as a campfire. Only operate the stove in open, well ventilated areas. Never use the stove in a tent or a confined area.     Replenish your ice often  Keep your food cold at all times to avoid food spoilage and food poisoning.     Practice good fire safety Clear area of all debris/avoid area with overhanging branches Construct a fire ring surrounded by rocks Have a bucket of water, shovel and a fire extinguisher nearby and ready to put out a fire NEVER build a fire near tents or other flammable items. NEVER use flammable fluids to start a fire. NEVER leave fire unattended. Build a fire only as big as you need. Make sure to completely extinguish fire.   Closely supervise your dog around children, other visitors and other dogs.   Terms of This Website Copyright © 2000 Jon's Images, Inc. 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