Camping Safety Tips that Could Save Your Families Lives

Camping is always a fun family and friend pastime. However, safety should always be a primary concern when you are out enjoying the great outdoors. A big part of safety on the campground is fire safety. Because camping is often in the woods, there are many trees, leaves, twigs, and sticks that can easily catch fire if the surroundings are dry enough. To enjoy your camping trip to the fullest, consider some common fire safety tips as you prepare to join the wilderness for a night, a week, or even longer!

First, you will need to have a fire pit. Most campsites will already have a fire pit established for your safety and convenience. However, if you are camping or are staying at a particularly rural site, you will need to know how to properly construct a safe fire pit. If the fire pit is not already established, begin by digging a hole that is several inches deep and a few feet in diameter into the earth. Make sure the pit is not below any overhanging branches, as the sparks could potentially fly up and catch a nearby tree on fire. Next, place large stones around the edge of the pit. This prevents the fire from spreading to nearby foliage or dry underbrush next to the pit. Then, clear the ground of all sticks and leaves that are within five feet of the fire pit.

Once you have created your proper fire pit or are beginning to build your blaze in a previously established pit, remember to always keep a bucket of water, fire blanket, or a shovel close by. Water can help douse runaway flames, and dirt can smother the fire as well. When you are gathering and stacking your kindle and firewood, remember to place them upwind and away from the fire. This way, you are reducing the chance of the sparks flying away and catching on the pile of kindle and wood. Remember, after you light the fire, throw the match into the blaze. If not, make sure the end is completely cold before you discard it in a trash can.

When dealing with fire pits, always remember to never leave a fire unattended. It may be tempting to run to the nearest restroom (or portable john), but if you must leave your fire unattended (whatever the reason), ask your camping neighbor to keep an eye on your fire for you. A final thought when camping: if you are a smoker, you will need to be very cautious of your cigarette butts. Either have a metal can to contain your cigarette remains, or carefully flick them into the fire. Never toss them away where they may have the potential to catch a leaf or some underbrush on fire. Simply be conscientious, and dispose of your cigarettes properly.

Camping is fun for families, but safety must always be kept in mind. The proper fire safety equipment should be kept handy in the case of an emergency, When camping, fires are needed for cooking, warmth, and even atmosphere. Don’t let an uncontrolled or neglected fire ruin your experience, not mention the campsite or woods in which you are staying. Be safe, and enjoy your camping trip as you soak in the great outdoors!