There are several ways to relax and escape all the hustling and bustling of living in the cities.
Those with heavy bank accounts have gone as far as building holiday homes outside of the city to escape the busy life whenever they want to relax. Some have even taken it further by building their homes outside of the towns because of the comfort of living in a quiet environment.
But if you do not have a house in the countryside and are just looking for a relaxing experience, camping is what you need.
Camping comes with a combination of different experiences, but most importantly, you get to relax in the nature. That is a scarce commodity in most cities. However, many beginners who went camping without the necessary information came back disappointed due to some unsafe events, and those who want to give camping a try are skeptical due to safety issues.
If you want to camp for the first time or have already camped a few times before but were left disappointed and are looking for safety tips that will make your experience unforgettable, then continue reading about the most important camping safety tips for beginners.
1. Do a proper research
Often, the choice for most people’s camping sites is based on a friend’s recommendation or an advert. But hearing the name and location of the site is just the beginning of the things you need to know about the place you want to go.
You need to do your research to know other details like the weather, the type of wildlife, and, very importantly, if there’s a hospital nearby in case something happens. Once you know all these, then you can start your preparation.
2. Prepare for the weather
The weather is one of the elements that we have little or no control over. That’s why it’s important to listen to the weather forecast for the number of days you will be staying and even more if you decide to stay additional days. With this, you can prepare accordingly.
For sunny weather, you will need sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. For the rainy and cold seasons, you will need warm clothes, hand gloves, rain boots, an umbrella, and a warm hat, among other things.
If you are concerned about your safety and comfort, then all of these, depending on the weather and how comfortable you want to be, should be checked on your checklist before moving to the location.
3. Come with enough supplies
One thing you don’t want to do is be far away from your home and discover you didn’t bring some of the things you need. First, list everything you will need weeks or months before the big day. You may not always remember everything, but you can keep updating the list as you understand what you need.
Depending on the nature of your camping, you would need a tent, kitchen supplies, repairs and set-up materials, clothes, food, folding beds and pillows, your identification card, credit cards, and cell phones.
In general, make sure you are fully equipped with all the things you would need. You do not want to be far from the grocery store without food or water.
4. Don’t forget to take a first aid kit
While we may hope for the best during our stay, accidents can happen, so we must prepare for anything. If you will be staying far from the nearest hospital, it is important to come with a well-equipped first aid kit. The kit should contain antiseptic wipes, an elastic bandage, a list of emergency phone numbers, an emergency blanket, tweezers, aspirin, sterile gauze pads, prescription medication, and antibiotic ointment, among other things.
5. Wear clothes with protective materials
Sometimes, due to negligence, some campers may come with all the needed protective wear but will not use them while camping. No matter how uncomfortable protective gear may make you feel, you should put your safety first and your comfort second. Even if you go camping in the summer, don’t forget to take warm socks and underwear, a waterproof jacket, boots, and layers, among other things. The weather can be very unpredictable, and you should always be ready.
6. Know your way around
One of the most enjoyable moments during camping is going out for sightseeing. However, some people miss their ways because they do not know the terrain.
In worse cases, campers get lost. Therefore, one of the safety tips that should not be taken for granted is knowing the environment you are camping in.
With maps and GPS, it’s easier to navigate the way. And if you would like to take safety measures even further, you should have a guide or be with someone who already knows the place.
7. Don’t go alone
Above all, don’t be tempted to go camping alone. Many things could go wrong in an unfamiliar environment, and you would need one or two people to help you.
Ask your friends, family members, or colleagues if they want to keep you company. Being surrounded by people you know is safe and doesn’t bring discomfort.
If you have a stranger tag along, then you should find out more about them. You can get basic information, like their contact details, address, occupation, social media profiles, and even criminal records from Nuwber, a people search website. Whether you have this person’s full name, phone number, or address, you will find all the necessary details rather quickly.
Parting Thoughts
Camping in a natural environment creates an unexplainable feeling of happiness, enjoyment, relaxation, and fun. However, many things can go wrong if the proper safety tips are not followed.
Therefore, the first thing to be safe is to do thorough research on the place you are going. Then, you prepare yourself for the weather and come with all the supplies needed. In addition to your supplies, you would also need a first aid kit in case of an emergency. And, most importantly, find out all you can about the site and don’t go alone.