10 Tips for Safer Camping

1. Carry a whistle. A whistle can be used to summon help, or to scare off animals from your campsite.

2. Pack an adequate first-aid kit. A first-aid kit should contain the following: various sized Band-Aids, an elastic or ACE bandage for wrapping ankles and sprains, tweezers, Benadryl or other antihistamine tablets, Tylenol and aspirin, antibacterial hand gel, latex gloves, burn ointment,antiseptic cream, medical tape, a roll of gauze, a snake bite kit, nasal saline spray, an eye wash kit, needle and thread, and any personal medications your family may require, including asthma inhalers or other medications used to treat crisis symptoms.

3. Notify someone. Before you go, leave a detailed itinerary of where you plan to be, what vehicles you'll be taking, and when you plan to return. Leave the information with a family member of trusted friend that can follow up in the event something doesn't go as planned.

4. Carry a cell phone. A cell phone can be very useful if you need to summon emergency help. Your cell phone signal can be used to pinpoint your location, even if you are unable to tell an emergency dispatcher where you are. Be sure to use your cell phone only in an emergency.

5. Carry water. You (and every member of your camping party) should carry adequate water, even if you are only planning to take a short hike away from your campsite.

6. Pick a meeting point. Whether you are camping with one other person or thirty, make sure everyone in the group knows where to meet up should you become separated. Agree on a time to meet as well.

7. Contain your food. Bears, raccoons and other animals are natural foragers. Many of the national parks provide metal lockers to put all of your perishables in, but if you are not sure if this is an option in your camping area, bring a container from home. Don't leave food out in the open where it can easily entice animals.

8. Leave the perfume at home. Cologne, aftershave lotion, strong deodorants and even some shampoos can contain fragrances that attract bees and other insects. Unscented products are best when camping.

9. Take the sunscreen. While most people know to use a sunscreen when camping in the desert or at the beach, camping in higher altitudes (even when the air is cooler) can make you more susceptible to sunburn than you might think. Pack a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply throughout the day.

10. Pack some basic survival items. A compass, tweezers, a multi-use knife, a small coffee tin or other metal container, aluminum foil (at least 12"),a pocket mirror, dental floss, iodine tablets, an emergency blanket, and 2-3 large plastic garbage bags are all items that can be used in a variety of emergency situations.

Being prepared for the mishaps or accidents that happen from time to time can insure a great camping trip for all.