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Camping Safety – Being Aware of Your Surroundings

In order to enjoy a safe and fun camping trip, it is really important that you are always aware of your surroundings. Animals and certain plants can become a problem if you get too close to them. It is also important to pay attention to what you eat and drink.

It is important to plan ahead about what you will eat and drink on your camping trip. It is wise to assume that all wilderness creeks and streams are potentially contaminated by parasites such as Giardia lamblia which can cause nausea, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and explosive diarrhea. Don't drink from wilderness water sources. It is best to bring bottled water with you. If that is impossible, then you can buy iodine tablets that dissolve in the water, which is an inexpensive and easy way to purify it; or you can use water filters. Boiling water is okay; but it does take a lot of time, energy, and resources, and it is difficult to determine appropriate boiling times because boiling points change with your elevation.

It is wise to plan your meals based on how many days you will be away from home, and then bring extra food. Portable foods, like granola bars, trail mix, breads, fruit, and peanut butter are a good choice. Another idea is to take dehydrated meals that only require water to be added to them. Do not pick wild berries, (or other "edible" plants) unless you have a very clear understanding of which ones are toxic and which are not.

Steer clear of poison oak, sumac, and ivy, and it is a wise practice not to touch any plants that you aren't familiar with. Dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect you from accidentally touching these plants. It is a good idea to buy products that you can apply before your hike that act as a protective barrier to the irritating plant oils. If you do touch one of these irritating poisonous plants, your skin (any area that comes in contact with them) should be washed immediately with soap and water. You can use hydrocortisone cream (1%), as well as antihistamines taken by mouth, to combat the rashes and blistering associated with poison ivy.

Insects can be not just a nuisance, but sometimes a big problem (especially for those who have allergies to insect bites or stings). Citronella-based products, put on clothing instead of skin whenever possible, are a good way to repel insects. You can also use insect repellants that contain no more than 10% to 30% DEET (it is absorbed through the skin and in higher concentrations it can be toxic). Make sure that you follow the directions on the label and don't use it on a child under 2 years old. If you do get an allergic reaction or a rash from a mosquito bite or a bee or wasp sting, they can be effectively relieved by taking antihistamines by mouth.

One insect which is a big concern when you are camping, is the tick. Ticks can carry other types of infections besides Lyme disease. Check everyone for ticks at the end of the day. They like to hide in places like behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin area, so these are places to check especially carefully. Be aware of the rash that indicates Lyme Disease, which is a red ring about 2 inches in diameter which appears around the bite a few days after infection.

Never approach a wild animal, and never feed them. Find out ahead of time, from asking park rangers or other campers or doing previous research, about the wild animals you might find. Never leave children unsupervised in the wild, and teach them to stay calm and call loudly for help if they encounter a wild animal. Teach your children that even small wild animals are strong and agile and will defend themselves and their young if they feel threatened. Do not attract wild animals to you or your campsite. Keep your campsite free of food odors. Pack food in resealable plastic bags and animal resistant containers, especially on long camping trips; and put your food in your car overnight.

If you are taking children with you on your camping trip, it is especially important to teach them what to look out for in the woods. Stay away from wild animals, and poisonous plants. Check for ticks every night. Don't eat berries (or other plants) that may be toxic, or drink water that may be contaminated. Bring and use insect repellants, bottled water or water purifying products, plenty of food, as well as soap and hydrocortisone cream (1%) and/or antihistamines taken by mouth. Be prepared, be aware, and you will have a fun camping trip to remember.