CampingGround
Camping is an activity enjoyed by millions of Americans each year, especially as temperatures rise and days get longer in the summer. Whether you’re a seasoned camping pro or an eager newcomer, it’s always a good idea to review camping safety before heading into the outdoors.
To keep the experience fun and safe, it’s important that you pack the following essential items:
• A medical kit—It should include a topical antibiotic, bandages, cotton swabs, diarrhea medication, antacids, scissors, tweezers, and burn ointment, at a minimum.
• Flashlights—Bring several, and ensure beforehand that they are working correctly. Carry along some extra batteries as well. Consider purchasing an LED flashlight, as they last longer.
• Water—It’s never a good idea to drink from natural water sources such as lakes or streams. Bring along bottled water, water purification tablets, or a water purifier. If you decide to bring bottled water, bring a gallon per person per day to cover drinking and cooking needs.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses—Being out in the sun for hours at a time—much fewer days—can cause irreversible skin and eye damage. Plus, without sun protection you risk getting sunburnt, which will add immediate discomfort to your trip.
• Waterproof matches—When camping, you may encounter inclement weather. Having waterproof matches ensures that even if everything else is wet, you can still make a fire.
• Insect repellant—Not only is sunburn unpleasant, but bug bites can be nasty too.
• Extra clothing—As hot as it may be during the day, nighttime may be an entirely different story. In addition, should your clothes get wet, you will want dry items to change into.