There's no doubt about it camping can be fun. But if you don't pay attention to some basic camping safety tips your camping trip could turn into the camping trip from hell. Do you know what some of the basic camping safety tips you should be aware of.

1. Always be sure that you always plan ahead and do your research. Learn and know everything possible about the campground or campgrounds where you are going camping. Double check to make sure that the campground you choose is in a safe area with out any problems. Be sure to ask what time is quite time in the campground. Ask is there a noise problem in the campground. And if your going into a wilderness area where bears could possible be a problem be sure to think bear safety. Keep food in closed containers or locked in your vehicle. If your doing remote camping put your food up a tree with a safety line.How about possible fire dangers and where is there safe water to cook and drink with.

2. Be sure that you purchase and pack a complete Emergency First Aid Kit. Prepare for cuts , scrapes , burns , sun burns , bee stings and allergic reactions. Instruct everyone to stay away from snakes. Just walk away from it. But be sure to have a complete snake bite kit and be sure at least two adults read and know and understand what to do in case of various emergencies. Have a plan to get help from 911 or paramedics if necessary. Are you going camping with someone with special medical needs. Be sure you have their medical records and medicine supply with you. You must have a signed paper from the parent or guardian of any underage guests before you can get them treated even in an emergency. So if your taking along underage guests be sure to take along signed and notarized emergency releases.

3. Be sure that you arrive at your campsite early. Do a safety walk through looking for fire ants , wasp and hornet nests , broken glass and etc. You can clean up so much your self but if the campsite is really bad ask for help from the person renting the camp sites. If your camp site is dirty go ahead and clean it but let the owner know. Be especially watchful for items like poison ivy. What can you take along to insure the safety of yourself and your camping guests. Take plenty of Calamine Lotion in case of poison oak and plenty of Deep Woods Off. Don't let mosquito's ruin your camping trip.

4. You want to place your tent on a safe provided spot with the front door facing south if at all possible. Make sure that your tent is fire resistant and that only flashlights or battery powered lanterns are used for light in the tent. Keep a supply of the chemical light sticks that you break for light in an emergency.

5. Issue each member of your family especially children a loud whistle so they can blow it in case of danger or distress. Be sure to tell everyone not to blow the whistle unless it is a matter of danger or distress.

6. Every year many fires are built and accidentally get out of hand and burn thousands of acres of beautiful forests. You need to think fire safety, Keep your fire in your fire ring, Only build your fire so big, Never build huge bon fires. Never build fires in a strong wind. If you need to just don't build a fire. Instead drive into town for a fast food meal. And you just may be responsible for keeping the forest from burning. When you do have a outdoor fire keep a shovel near by , a water bucket near by and a large fire extinguisher near by. As the boy scouts say always be prepared. Never leave a fire unattended for any reason. Have some one assigned as the fire watch person at any fire until the fire is out.

7. Two very serious things are to always know what the elevation of your camp site is and has the campground ever flooded. If there has been problems in the past seriously consider going on down the road to a different and safer campground. And never pet wild animals no matter what it is. Stay away from Bears for your safety. Never offer to feed a bear. Its just to dangerous. Also keep a respectable distance from Raccoons , Squirrels and Skunks. If an animal appears sick contact the camp ground owner and the local police. Tell them that a animal is acting strange.

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