Essential Steps To Be Safe When Camping Or Hiking Outdoors
To maximize your chances of a safe hike or camping trip take time to plan and prepare, matching equipment and experience to the chosen outdoor venue. Having a contingency plan prepared ahead is one essential step you need to take in case something unexpected happens or goes awry during your trip.
Be Ready To Deal With An Outdoor Emergency Before It Happens
Where possible, leave details of your group, your destination, and your estimated trek length in trailhead or mountain hut logs, or lodge an intentions form with a responsible authority or person, such as the ranger office at park headquarters. In the case that you don't return on time from your trip, this will let others know that you are missing and can start searching for you. However, you also need to make sure that you let others know when you have returned from your trip, to prevent confusion and any unnecessary searches.
You should also let family and friends know your plans before leaving. You could even post your plans to your favorite social networking site so that your friends and family members are aware of your outdoor plans. But again, you must remember to notify people when you have returned, to prevent unnecessary worry or searches from happening.
If you are not well acquainted with the area or have extensive experience hiking solo, you probably should not attempt your trip alone.
Emergency Gear and Supplies
There are ten items consider essential by experts that you should always bring with you: extra amounts of clothing and food, glasses for sun protection, a small knife, a waterproof fire starter , a small flashlight, a kit with first aid supplies, matches that are also waterproof, a map of the area you will be visiting and a compass for directions. You should have a special bag which you use to carry solely your emergencies supplies.
Brushing up on old skills or learning new ones is also a good strategy, particularly when it comes to setting up or using your camping equipment. Keep in mind that the more remote your trip, the more essential it will be to be able to use your equipment properly in the case of an emergency.
Safety And Campfires
If you have packed dependable fire starter and have fuel available to sustain a campfire then your chances of surviving an un expected delay in the woods is increased. A fire will provide essential warmth and light, but that is not all. Fires will also help decontaminate the water you drink and cook the food that you eat, including any food supplies you may hunt or gather while in the woods. A fire is also a source to sterilize items that may be needed for first aid.
With your ten essential supplies in hand and after properly notifying friends and authorities about your outdoor plans, you will be able to have a much more enjoyable and safe adventure on your next camping trip.
Everyone at Super Cedar Firestarters would like to help our customers have a wonderful camping season. In an effort to help prepare your family for this years camping trip we have published several articles that are easy to find. Visit our website to learn more about our firestarter.