Camping is a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends.
It allows us to trade our ceilings for the stars, and our loafers for
our hiking boots, all without spending a fortune. It’s no wonder
that millions of Americans choose to enjoy our nation’s great parks
every year. Since most of us are no longer the great outdoorsmen that
our ancestors used to be, it is important to be prepared before you even
leave for your trip to avoid tragedy. Here are some helpful tips to prepare
you for your next great outdoor adventure:
- Pack light, pack smart, and be prepared.
Even though you’ll be away from home, do not pack everything that
you own. Make room in your backpack for the important things, like quick
drying wool socks, a swiss army knife, a first aid kit, food, waterproof
shoes, a jacket, water and food. Pack clothes that allow you to dress
in layers so that you can be prepared regardless of the temperature. You
will be enjoying nature so don’t worry about packing your makeup
or shaving kit. It is much more important to prepare yourself to stay
warm and dry and to avoid or treat potential injuries.
- Avoid wildlife and do not feed them.
Although they look cute in the movies, animals in the wild are not domesticated
and should not be interacted with. While smaller animals like raccoons
can carry rabies, larger ones like bears can kill, or seriously injure
you. Do not try to pet wild animals, especially ones that seem overly
friendly (they may be sick or carrying rabies, among other things). Do
not feed wildlife, and be sure that no food is left out to attract animals.
Many camping grounds provide bear proof food lockers for your food, and
it is a good idea to keep your food stored in there while you are away
or sleeping. Do not let family pets interact with wildlife. Wildlife can
transmit disease or injure your beloved pet.
- Know which insects and snakes are indigenous to the area that you are camping
in, how they can cause you harm, and how to treat any bites or stings.
Mosquitos, ticks and spiders can carry and transmit disease. Regularly
apply insect repellant containing DEET to any exposed skin. Wear long
sleeves and pants to reduce your risk of being bitten or stung. Check
for ticks daily, and remove them as soon as possible. Watch out for snakes,
and know which ones are poisonous.
- Know which plants to watch out for, and how to treat any injuries that
result from them.
Although plants can be pleasant to look at, and even tasty to eat, many
plants are toxic to humans and our pets. Some plants like poison ivy and
poison sumac will give us painful rashes and sores just from brushing
against them. Make sure to keep yourself covered up from head to toe during
hikes, and keep medication on hand should you encounter a plant that causes
you harm. Do not ingest any plants that you are unfamiliar with.
- Be smart when starting fires and cooking food.
Only start fires in enclosed areas and make sure that nothing flammable
is near the fire. Wildfires devastate many forests every year and can
often be prevented. Never use a portable stove, heater, lantern or grill
inside of a tent or other enclosed area. Carbon monoxide is a colorless,
odorless gas that is given off when using fuel-burning equipment. The
gas can quickly injure or even kill family and pets.
- Have a way to contact emergency personnel.
Remember that cell phones may not have service out in the wilderness. If
you are planning on camping or hiking far away from other people, make
sure to carry one or more of these devices in case of emergency: satellite
phone, flare, two-meter amateur radio, or a personal locator beacon.
Please use these tips to have a safe and enjoyable camping trip!
If you suffer an injury while camping, call the Long Island personal injury
attorneys at The Odierno Law Firm, P.C. for a free case evaluation.