Camping Gear

Camping is quite safe. However, you must observe certain simple but important rules to make camping a safe and enjoyable experience.

1. Check out first the weather report. Obviously, you should postpone any camping trip if there's inclement weather. Carry a compact weather radio with you so you will be constantly updated about the weather.

If you are actually out camping and you're suddenly caught up in bad weather, find shelter until the storm passes. In fact, it is a good idea to check the area first and camp near a place where shelter is available. Stay dry; wet clothes and gear can sap away heat.

2. Always bring a first-aid kit. You will never know when you or your camp mates will suffer a cut, an insect sting, or an allergic reaction.

3. Upon arriving at the campsite, check for things that can be potential hazards. Broken pieces of glass, sharp objects, branches, ant beds, poison ivy, beehives and wasp nests, and flammable dry leaves are things that you should be wary about. Either clear these things out before camping or look for another campsite.

4. Choose a campsite that is well away from natural hazards. For example, do not camp below the hills; you will get into trouble for that if it floods. Do not camp beneath large, tall trees' during a lightning storm, they are prone to be hit. In the same manner, do not camp near dry vegetation, especially if you are planning a campfire. These dry materials can catch fire easily.

5. Build your campfire in a safe place. The fire must be far enough from the tent or any other material to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. And never, ever use open flame or a heating device inside a tent.

6. Do not leave a fire unattended. And be sure to douse the flames before going to sleep or before leaving the campfire. Ensure that embers are extinguished; they have a tendency to reignite if they are still glowing.

7. Let us say you are bringing a generator to generate electricity for your electrical appliances, say a television or a crock pot . Keep the generator away from the tent. Its heat can damage the tent or can cause burns on contact. Do not point the exhaust of the generator toward the tent or in any area where there is a group of people; the fumes are toxic.

8. Bears are a menace to campsites, so be sure to cover your leftover food. Your delicious chicken crock pot recipe can emit a smell that can attract a bear a mile away. Close all coolers, keep all cooking equipment and utensils, and completely cover garbage to lessen the chances of encountering an invading bear or other wildlife.

9. Respect the wildlife. Do not step or pull on plants. Do not trample or destroy animals' homes. Do not overturn or move rocks; most of them are there for a reason.

10. Some wild plants are edible. But before mixing any wild herbs into your sumptuous crock pot beef curry , be sure to familiarize yourself with the dangerous plants in the area. On the safe side, it is best not to eat plants in the wild; but if you are adventurous enough, ask a park guide first about which plants are suitable for food.