Camping Safety: What to Know
With the summer months filled with vacations, time spent outdoors and camping trips, it’s essential to ensure you take the proper precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe. Camping is a great outdoor activity for everyone in the family, but there are many factors to be mindful of while enjoying the outdoors. Our doctors are writing you a prescription to spend time outside, but they want to make sure you’re safe while doing it!
The most important thing you should do while camping is to be aware of your surroundings. Keep track of any poisonous plants and stinging insects in the area to be safe. Bringing insect repellent and any topical ointments can help you prepare for any unexpected run-ins with bugs. Keeping tabs on the weather while outdoors is also important to ensure you’re prepared for unsafe weather conditions.
There are endless activities you and your family can participate in while camping, but it’s vital to make sure the activities are just as safe as they are fun. When going on activities like hiking, bring a walking buddy instead of going alone. For water activities like swimming, boating or kayaking, it’s crucial that everyone wears an appropriate life jacket. Also, keep your eye out for hazards like lightning or riptides. When it’s time for those late-night fires and s’mores, keep campfire precautions in mind. Your fire should always be in an approved spot away from flammable objects. Clearing any tripping hazards near the fire and having a water hose or bucket nearby are also productive ways to keep yourself and your family safe.
Lastly, you want to ensure you’re taking care of your body while enjoying your time outdoors. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every 90 minutes. Another important way to take care of yourself is to stay hydrated.
“When you sweat, you lose a lot of those body fluids that keep you hydrated, especially during the hot and humid summer months,” says Harbin Clinic Family Medicine Cartersville physician Dr. Kate Raymond. “Drinking plenty of water and drinks with electrolytes will replenish those fluids and keep you hydrated.”
If you want to read about other fun outdoor adventures you can apply these tips to or find exciting, family-friendly activities in your area, visit our page Prescribe Outside.
