While packing the right gear may often be the main focus of preparing for a camping or hiking trip, Safe Kids Missoula recommends that families also keep safety guidelines in mind while preparing to take children outdoors.
“Going camping can be a great experience for children and families but it’s also a time when kids may be in an environment they’re not used to,” says Kevi Berger, coordinator of Safe Kids Missoula. “It’s really about preparing for different situations that could be dangerous for kids, like sitting near a campfire or swimming in open bodies of water. Serious injuries can be avoided by following a few simple tips.”
Safe Kids Missoula recommends these 5 tips to stay safe while camping.
- Be safe around the campfire. Actively supervise children near a campfire or portable stove.Follow posted rules about campfires, and do not light fires in windy or excessively dry conditions. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near a fire and extinguish the fire completely before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Keep first aid supplies and emergency phone numbers handy and know where the nearest phone is located. Cell phones might not work in remote areas.
- Protect against sudden weather change. Dress children in layers of clothing to help prevent heat-related illness and hypothermia. A child’s body temperature changes faster than an adult’s. Bring waterproof clothes to protect against rain or wind.
- Actively supervise around water. Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. Assign a water watcher (someone who watches the water and that is their only job.
- Wear a life jacket. Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around bodies of water or when practicing in water sports.