Well, you have finally burst out of your cotton-wool protection and now you face the wild world of nature - you have decided to go camping! Camping is a wonderful way to spend some quality time out, but make sure you keep the experience as enjoyable as possible by taking some simple safety precautions.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is a good start and you will learn more with time.
1.
There is nothing worse than setting up camp in the dark.
Not only is it a struggle pitching the tent or parking the camper, you can miss little things like glass and sharp objects on your chosen site.
You can easily miss the rotting overhanging tree branch or the ant nests.
You may inadvertently set up camp in an area prone to flooding, or one frequented by dangerous wildlife.
Use the benefit of daylight to fully assess the situation in the area of your camp site.
2.
Make sure you always carry a substantial first aid kit.
Taking a box of band aids is just not enough.
You need to have a supply of bandages, including a compression bandage if possible; sterile wipes; antiseptic ointments; scissors; insect repellents, etc.
Try to get hold of a first aid manual, keep it with you when camping, and acquaint yourself with the basic procedures.
3.
Along with the first aid kit, assemble an emergency kit too.
This should include a knife, whistle, compass, length of strong string or twine, small flashlight, fire-starter of some kind, and again some insect repellent.
If you have a cell phone this will of course also be handy if you are in reception range.
You can see my kit on my website shown below.
4.
If you are going to do some serious exploring make sure you are fit enough and well prepared.
Pack some warm clothing; a quantity of high energy snacks; a good supply of water; a small first aid kit and your emergency kit in a small backpack.
Wear sturdy shoes in good condition and before you set off, make sure you let someone know where you are going and approximately how long you might be away.
And, don't forget to let them know when you return! 5.
One of the things we all like about camping is the campfire.
Whether its for toasting marshmallows or just huddling around for a chat or a sing song.
Sounds good but check out before you light it for the dangers.
Don't build a fire too close to your tent or camper.
Make sure you clear an area of about a metre or more to prevent the fire spreading.
Look up too - don't start your fire under overhanging tree branches.
If fire rings are available, use them, otherwise construct your own with a ring of dry rocks.
Keep the fire under control and under watch at all times and keep plenty of water handy.
When you do dowse the fire, make sure you do that with water.
Stir the ashes with a stick and then add water again to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.
Then you can cover over with dirt.
6.
Respect any wildlife you come across and stay clear.
Do not poke at snakes with sticks, and don't even think about wrestling that bear or crocodile and winning! Sure it's good to see the wildlife, but you can ensure the encounter is a pleasant one by giving it space.
If crocodiles are in the area it is not a wise move to camp down by the water's edge.
Keeping all foodstuffs in sealed containers and stored securely will not encourage other animals to come foraging either.
7.
Just because you are camping does not mean you don't have to practice good hygiene and safe practices.
Make sure you wash your hands well before handling food and that you dispose of food scraps and other rubbish in a responsible and safe manner.
You don't want the next camper on your site to be setting up with broken bottles and other trash on the ground.
Finally, keep your eyes and ears open and apply caution in all you do.
Happy camping and stay safe.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is a good start and you will learn more with time.
1.
There is nothing worse than setting up camp in the dark.
Not only is it a struggle pitching the tent or parking the camper, you can miss little things like glass and sharp objects on your chosen site.
You can easily miss the rotting overhanging tree branch or the ant nests.
You may inadvertently set up camp in an area prone to flooding, or one frequented by dangerous wildlife.
Use the benefit of daylight to fully assess the situation in the area of your camp site.
2.
Make sure you always carry a substantial first aid kit.
Taking a box of band aids is just not enough.
You need to have a supply of bandages, including a compression bandage if possible; sterile wipes; antiseptic ointments; scissors; insect repellents, etc.
Try to get hold of a first aid manual, keep it with you when camping, and acquaint yourself with the basic procedures.
3.
Along with the first aid kit, assemble an emergency kit too.
This should include a knife, whistle, compass, length of strong string or twine, small flashlight, fire-starter of some kind, and again some insect repellent.
If you have a cell phone this will of course also be handy if you are in reception range.
You can see my kit on my website shown below.
4.
If you are going to do some serious exploring make sure you are fit enough and well prepared.
Pack some warm clothing; a quantity of high energy snacks; a good supply of water; a small first aid kit and your emergency kit in a small backpack.
Wear sturdy shoes in good condition and before you set off, make sure you let someone know where you are going and approximately how long you might be away.
And, don't forget to let them know when you return! 5.
One of the things we all like about camping is the campfire.
Whether its for toasting marshmallows or just huddling around for a chat or a sing song.
Sounds good but check out before you light it for the dangers.
Don't build a fire too close to your tent or camper.
Make sure you clear an area of about a metre or more to prevent the fire spreading.
Look up too - don't start your fire under overhanging tree branches.
If fire rings are available, use them, otherwise construct your own with a ring of dry rocks.
Keep the fire under control and under watch at all times and keep plenty of water handy.
When you do dowse the fire, make sure you do that with water.
Stir the ashes with a stick and then add water again to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.
Then you can cover over with dirt.
6.
Respect any wildlife you come across and stay clear.
Do not poke at snakes with sticks, and don't even think about wrestling that bear or crocodile and winning! Sure it's good to see the wildlife, but you can ensure the encounter is a pleasant one by giving it space.
If crocodiles are in the area it is not a wise move to camp down by the water's edge.
Keeping all foodstuffs in sealed containers and stored securely will not encourage other animals to come foraging either.
7.
Just because you are camping does not mean you don't have to practice good hygiene and safe practices.
Make sure you wash your hands well before handling food and that you dispose of food scraps and other rubbish in a responsible and safe manner.
You don't want the next camper on your site to be setting up with broken bottles and other trash on the ground.
Finally, keep your eyes and ears open and apply caution in all you do.
Happy camping and stay safe.