Camping Safety Tips: Which way is Up?

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: Which way is Up?

Should you ever get lost in the woods without a compass, remember the moss on trees faces north; a spiders web faces south; the tops of evergreen trees bend to the east; and the sun sets in the west.

Also, if you are in the northern hemisphere, imagine a straight line drawn through both tips of the cresent moon. Follow this imaginary line down to the earth´s horizon. Where the line touches the horizon is approximately due south.

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Camping Safety Tips: Five Golden Rules

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: Five Golden Rules

1. Life itself is survival. All that changes is the environment or the conditions under which you live. When crossing our backcountry or entering a dangerous environment, do so properly equipped.

2. A quick rescue is the best rescue. Use every modern aid to make others are aware of your plight and location. No matter what the danger, good communications will prevent a survival situation evolving.

3. We only need the basics. Given that you are uninjured and functioning properly, you need only air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat and shelter from the environment. However scarce, nature supplies all of these. You must learn to adapt to whatever she provides.

4. Plan your survival. When disaster strickes think about your situation and make a plan of your basic needs. Do not needlessly expend energy or put yourself in danger without good reason.

5. Recognize that danger is everywhere. The cold can kill. The heat can kill. Wild beasts can kill. Despondency can kill. Lack of nourishment can kill. Watch, listen, think and determine the problem…learn to survive.

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Camping Safety Tips:Emergency Pack

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips:Emergency Pack

There are several things you “have to have” when you get off the beaten path. If you don´t carry these things with you, rethink your plan. You must have water, compass or GPS (and know how to use it), cell phone, signal mirror, toilet paper, food (beef jerky), lighter, whistle, insect repellent, sun screen, ID and a first aid kit. This sounds like alot to carry, but aside from the water, it will weigh about a pound. Don´t get stranded without these things.

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Camping Safety Tips: A Sensible Approach

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: A Sensible Approach

The farther from the beaten path you venture, the more prepared you should be for a medical emergency. Always carry a first-aid kit designed for the type of trek and the number of people in your group.

A variety of first-aid kits are available for day hikes, family camping trips or backpacking treks. Kits should be tailored to your trekking terrain, weather, the ages of hikers and your group´s special medical needs.

Before you go, learn about any possible hazards at your destination, such as poisonous plants, snakes and insects. Ask local officials or park rangers if you need any special gear or clothing. Locate the road and public phone closest to your campsite or trail, so you know where to summon help if it is needed.

Some organizations offer wilderness first-aid courses targeted to outdoors enthusiasts. Be sure to practice what you learn and share it with others in your party.

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Camping Safety Tips: 2-way Radio

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: 2-way Radio

Whenever you leave the campsite, make sure you have your 2-way radio with you. And turn it on. Not only does it keep you in contact with your fellow campers (turn theirs on too), it may also save your life.

Many outdoor enthusiasts leave their radios on scan so they can help when a alarm is sounded. Accidents happen. Mitigate your risks.

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Camping Safety Tips: Distress Signal

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: Distress Signal

The universal distress signal is “anything” in a group of three. For instance: 3 gun shots, 3 screams, 3 blows on a whistle or even 3 campfires. You need to know this for to reasons…1) so you can call for help and 2) so you know when help is needed.

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Camping Safety Tips: Personal Defense

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: Personal Defense

Learn how to take care of you and yours. Bad weather, wild animals, bad people, terrain, accidents and bad luck can negatively effect your camping experience.

Take a class on personal defense.

This isn´t just a camping tip. This is important anywhere. A personal defense weapon (pepper spray, firearm, knife, etc.) is a good idea….but only if you are trained to use it correctly.

Again, take a class on personal defense.

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Camping Safety Tips:Camp Visitors

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips:Camp Visitors

If you´re camping alone and you are concerned about unwanted human visitors, set up more than one chair in your campsite.

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Camping Safety Tips:CPR

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips:CPR

Do not go on an extended hike (overnight) without knowing CPR. Take a class before you go. You may think this is unnecessary, but if you need to have CPR performed on you, you´ll want others in the backcountry to have taken the class. Do unto others as you would have them do….you know the rest.

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Camping Safety Tips: When Lightening Strikes

November 12th, 2008 Shaka

Camping Tips >> Camping Safety Tips

Camping Safety Tips: When Lightening Strikes

If there is an approaching storm and your skin tingles or hair tries to stand on end, immediately “GET SMALL.” You may not have more than a couple seconds to act.

Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet, with your feet close together. Place your hands on your knees, with your head between them. Be the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.

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