Camping in our beautiful national parks is a fun way to enjoy nature, the fresh air and an escape from digital devices. However, being in a remote area brings its own set of risks. There are many ways you can prepare for a camping trip to ensure it is as safe as possible.
The first thing you need to do is research your destination. You should find out the sanitary facilities, whether there is access to running water, if the area is prone to flooding or storms and what sort of activities you can do there. You should also consider the terrain, any tripping hazards or dangers and how accessible your campsite will be. Getting the basics right can help you avoid the most common camping safety mistakes and have an enjoyable holiday.
When deciding what to pack, you need to consider both day and night-time temperatures. Sunny warm days can turn to frosty cold nights so you will need sunscreen, hats and possibly even a jacket or a hoodie.
You should store food in a well-insulated cooler or in airtight containers to prevent wildlife from stealing your goodies. Keeping all of your foods inside of your tent or car is another great way to prevent this from happening. You should also make sure to keep your tin cans secured with a strong padlock and to use wheel locks on any larger items, such as BBQs, bikes or kayaks that could be stolen. Lastly, you should not feed the wildlife around your camp and it is best to keep them at a distance.
Wild animals, such as kangaroos, emus and possums, are likely to raid your campsite for food. They are not only unpredictable but they can carry diseases, so you should not approach them or leave food out. You should also be careful to keep your camp clear of bush and grasses as they can hide snakes.
Using fuel-burning heaters, lanterns or stoves inside of a tent or camper can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. The carbon monoxide build-up can be fatal if the levels are high enough to kill you. You should only use these types of equipment outside of your tent or camper and make sure it is properly ventilated when in use.
Finally, you should bring a first aid kit with all of the necessary medical supplies. You should also include a torch and a battery operated personal alarm that can be activated when someone attempts to enter your tent or RV. This device will emit a loud noise and flash an LED light to scare the intruder away. This is a cheap, easy to purchase and effective camping security device that can help to make your next camping trip safer. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are more prepared for any potential problems.