Tips To Keep Your Family Safe While Camping

Pitching a tent and telling ghost stories, while roasting Spider Dogs and marshmallows to make S’mores by the campfire are the things many families can’t wait to do once the weather heats up in Ontario.

We have plenty of camping sites available for an awesome outdoor experience with family and friends. While you’re roughing it we want to offer a few tips be safe while you’re out having fun.

Seven Safety Tips to Ensure a Safe Camping Trip

1. If you have never gone camping before, educating yourself about what to expect is important. Ontario Parks offers a Learn to Camp program.
2. Book your camping spot at a park that wants you to camp safely, takes care of wildlife and nature, and makes sure everyone follows rules for good behaviour. Ontario Parks do this well and some private parks do too.  
3. Give information about where you are going, for how long and how you are getting there as well as a way to contact you to someone who is not going with you. Check-in with this person by phone when you arrive, when you leave and along your drive so that they know you are safe.
4. Carry a first aid kit with you. Small cuts and burns may be easier to soothe with the proper essentials. Antibacterial ointment and bandages are a must. Being trained in first aid helps a lot.
5. Never approach a wild animal. They’re often looking for food so keep your camp site clean. Make sure you keep your food in a secure container and put it in your vehicle to prevent any visitors.
6. Be water safe.  Read all signs in and around your camp site and know what bodies of water are around you.  Use safety equipment and educate yourself.  Review Swimming, Boating and Water Safety Tips from the Canadian Red Cross. Practice not drinking alcohol when boating, swimming or diving. Take a look at this Safe Boating Guide from Transport Canada.
7. Practice fire safety when building a campfire by making sure you’re away from low tree limbs and use the designated area if one is available. Have water available to quickly put it out. Never leave a fire burning without someone watching it and when done for the night, make sure it’s completely out before you go to bed. Ontario Parks has provided an article on Campfire Safety for your information.

 Camping makes great memories so let’s work together to have a fun holiday.