More people than ever are choosing to embrace the great outdoors and head to campsites for their annual vacation. And due to flight restrictions and concerns over Covid-19, it makes a lot of sense to enjoy a stay-cation this year rather than wasting your summer months stuck at home.
Whether you’re pitching up a tent, driving and planning to live in an RV or you’re wanting a touch of luxury and you fancy glamping for a couple of weeks, there are lots of ways you can get close to nature and fully enjoy a relaxing family break. However, if you’ve never camped before, you may be wondering what dangers you should be on the lookout for, and how you can keep yourself and your family safe when you pitch up on a campsite miles and miles away from home.
Here we’ll take a look at how you can camp like a pro, with these simple safety tips:
Drive safely
If you’re planning a holiday in an RV, then general road safety applies to you. The last thing you want is to find yourself caught up in a car accident – check out this New Rochelle personal injury lawyer if you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault. Before you travel, ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and you understand how to use it (many RVs differ from standard vehicles). Always drive within the speed limit and plan your chosen route and where you’re able to park your RV before you travel!
First aid
Burns from a campfire, cuts, and bruises from tripping along uneven paths, even bites from insects. All of these are considered minor inconveniences, but they have the potential to ruin your camping trip if they go untreated. Get yourself a first aid kit, and ensure it’s filled with basic items. It’s also a good idea to learn first aid in case of an emergency. The recovery position, how to treat a broken limb an how to help someone who is choking are good places to start.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Any kind of fuel-burning device gives off an invisible toxic gas known as carbon monoxide which can kill. Having a BBQ inside your tent, awning or RV will put you at risk of poisoning and death. So it’s important that any kind of fuel-burning device or generator is not inside your accommodation and that any fumes aren’t being blown into your camp. Dizziness, headaches, seizures, breathlessness, and even an unexplained sense of paranoia are all symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning you should look out for.
And finally…fire safety
Most camps have firefighting equipment on site, so make yourself familiar with these points. Be sensible around flames and whilst cooking. Never leave a flame unattended.