Summer Camping Be Prepared

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It is easy to forget summer safety when lost in the excitement of a camping adventure. Make this summer camping trip a memorable one by following a few summer safety tips.

In the heat of the day decrease physical activity. Those activities requiring a lot of physical exertion should occur in the morning or early evening. If you are out in the heat try to alternate your activity to include being in the shade when possible.

Wearing the correct clothing can reduce the chances of overheating. Wear loose, lightweight and light colored clothing. Special clothing is available to fight against insects, protect you against the sun, wick moisture away, odor resistance and more. Read more about the camping and travel clothing that can make your next outdoor adventure even more pleasant. Visit the Ex Officio merchant webpage at 24 Hour Mall's HERE . All the great products and clearance prices are on the Ex Officio website. Shop the Clearance Warehouse - Ex Officio now.

Always remember to drink plenty of water and to keep meals light when outdoor activities are planned during the heat of of the day.

Alcoholic drinks can increase a person's risk to heat-related illnesses. So save the alcoholic beverages until cooler times during the day.

Frequent showers, baths and swimming will help diminish the risk of over heating.

Campers with chronic health problems, such as heart disease or lung problems, should minimize activities because the heat will put additional stresses on those systems.

Extra caution should be taken for the elderly and young children to make sure they are protected from the heat and are exercising these helpful hints.

Don't forget to protect your pets and provide ample shade and plenty of cool water.

Precautions against insects and critters

Family camping can be lots of fun, but depending on when and where you go camping can be an unpleasant experience, if you are not prepared for nuisances. Here are some pests to watch for:

Flies and mosquitoes: These pests can quickly bring an end to your comfort around the campground, so take along something that will repel these little nasties. Citronella candles help keep them away from the immediate area, but for thorough protection you may need to apply a bug repellent to your skin.

Ticks: Besides just being yucky, certain species of tick carry Lyme disease. When outdoors, prevention is the best measure: wear hats, cover exposed areas of skin with long clothes; use a repellent, such as Deet, on your clothing, but not on your skin; avoid walking through talk grass or brush; and perform routine inspections to check for ticks.

If you find one, remove promptly.

Lyme Disease, a tick-borne illness, is named for Old Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first diagnosed. Connecticut remains one of the states with the highest number of cases each year. Here are tips for protecting yourself:

Here's How:

Wear light-colored clothing.

Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, especially when in wooded areas.

Tuck pants into socks.

Use an insect repellent that contains DEET.

Check yourself and children for ticks at the end of each day.

If you discover a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers and preserve the tick for possible examination. Contact your physician.

Tips on Lyme Disease:

Lyme-carrying ticks are especially prevalent in spring and summer months.

Get more information on Lyme Disease by calling the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Information Line at (860) 509-8000.

Lyme Disease is very treatable when detected early.

Related Information:

Lyme Disease - Things You Should Know

First Lyme Disease Vaccine Approved

Avoiding Ticks

Snakes and scorpions
Beware! As warmer weather approaches these critters become more active. Learn how to identify the poisonous snakes, and know what to do if bitten. As a general rule, avoid all snakes in the outdoors.

Poison ivy, poison oak, and nettles
Obnoxious plants, indeed! The best prevention is to learn to identify these plants, then avoid any contact. Should you touch one of these plants, do not scratch, and wash the area in cold water. Should you develop a rash, use a topical solution like calamine lotion.

Chipmunks, raccoons, and skunks
These creatures of the night are out to steal your food and cause general dismay at your campsite. Although they are cute to look at, they are still wild creatures. Observe them from a distance, and don't leave food out where they can get into it.

Birds, crows, ravens, and gulls
Observe the same precautions for birds as you would for the small animals, and don't leave any food out at an unattended campsite.

With a little knowledge and proper prevention, your next camping trip doesn't have to be disrupted by any pests. Happy summertime camping from Lightweight RV News.

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This page last updated on 03/24/2006

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Summer Camping Be Prepared

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