Summer Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips

Around the campsite:

• Act and drink responsibly in a camping or hiking activity.
• Arrive at the campsite with enough daylight to properly set up and check for hazards.
• Hazards include: broken glass, sharp objects, poison ivy, bee hives, ants, etc.
• Choose a site of appropriate size to have enough room for your equipment.
• Clean your campsite regularly and properly dispose of all trash and recycling in order to prevent attracting wildlife.

Campfire Safety:

• Do not start a fire using flammable liquids; use paper or kindling instead.
• Build fires outdoors only. Light barbecues and grills on sand or within an approved campfire area. Keep flammable material at least two metres away.
• Be sure to have an appropriate clearing for the fire and never leave the fire unattended.
• Properly put out your fire and stay until the ashes are cool to the touch.
• Keep children away from the fire and explain the hazards of a fire to your camping party.
• Never place your hands into the fire to rearrange the wood. Use a long, smooth stick instead.
• Keep fire fighting equipment near the fire (e.g. shovels, bowl/pail of water, sand, etc.).

Wildlife Safety:

• Never approach wild animals.
• Never leave food out. Place food in sealed containers and place in a locked environment (e.g. a car or hanging from a tree downwind of the campsite).
• Do not eat unfamiliar vegetation.
• Do not drink unfamiliar water. Use water purifiers and/or boil water when using unknown water sources.

Hiking:

• Never hike alone! Always travel with a companion and tell others where you are going
• Follow marked trails and carry maps and orientation equipment if in an unfamiliar region.
• Take proper care in protecting against exposure to the heat, the cold, dehydration, and insects. This can be done by carrying water, dressing appropriately, and using sunscreen and insect repellents.
• Never overload yourself with equipment. Carry only the necessities and make sure that you don't have too much in your pack.
• Wear appropriate footwear (e.g. hiking boots).
• Avoid alcohol, especially on unfamiliar or rough terrain.