Camping Safety Tips - Panergy

FIRE SAFETY

Having a campfire is one of the true joys of camping. A roaring fire is iconic to camping nights, under the stars, warmed by the crackling embers. But there is a lot of danger that comes from having a fire at your campsite.
Most campsites will have a fire ring, or pit, where you can, and should, have your fire. If not, you want to make your own. First off, you want to choose the spot for your fire. This should be a place that isn't too close to your supplies, like tents or tables, and somewhere on a solid holding. After that, you want to make sure there is some kind of ring around where the fire will go, like a circle made from rocks, or a circular grill grate.
After that you want to make sure you are prepared to put the fire out, before you ever start one. Having a shovel and a large bucket of water is essential is stopping a fire. Dirt and water will douse a large blaze almost immediately. But, even though the fire may be out, that does not mean the danger is gone. A doused fire can still be hot enough to cause serious burns or reignite, so don't leave your fire until you are sure it is safe and cool.

FOOD SAFETY

Preparation of food has always been very important, but when you are camping it becomes even more so. You have far less space for separation than you would at home. You have less ways of keeping foods cool, or keeping foods hot, especially at a small range of temperatures. But, with preparation, keeping your food safe to eat while camping is a breeze.
Having two areas, coolers preferably, for uncooked and cooked food is very important. As long as you can keep the uncooked food away from everything else, and at the proper temperatures, you'll never have to worry about spoilage. Coolers, large or small, are the perfect way to make sure you can maintain your food?s temperature safely.
A meat thermometer is very important to have while camping. Cooking on open fires, dealing with this direct heat source, is very different than setting your oven to 400 degrees and leaving for 45 minutes. Make sure while using the thermometer that you take the temperature from the center of the meat, and that you clean the thermometer thoroughly after each use. Some meats are safe to eat at different temperatures than others, so make sure you know what temperature range you need.

WILDLIFE SAFETY

Wildlife is one of the greatest allures that camping can offer. From squirrels to grizzles, every animal in nature has a mystique and grace that is undeniably beautiful. But with this beauty comes danger. Mostly from the grizzlies, not so much the squirrels. Many campsites will offer protection from bears. Considering the most common reason for a bear to invade a campsite is that they smell food, many campsites offer food canisters, a large metal bin for your food. If one is not available, though, you can always make a Food Hang (or Bear Hang). Basically, you keep your food in a sack or a bin, about 100 feet away from your tent, and hang it from a tree branch. Bears can climb trees, so simply putting it up in a tree won't work. But hanging it from branch let's you protect your food while you are away.
The Food Hang is just a method to keep wildlife at a distance. And that is the key to wildlife safety, distance. You must keep in mind that this is their environment. This is their home, and you are visiting. So, you have to be a good guest. In houses that might mean taking off your shoes and using a coaster, but here it's giving space to these animals, for them and for you.
Keeping safe while camping isn't a chore by any means. With just a few ideas, tricks, and understandings you keep you and your family safe while camping, so you can enjoy your time without worrying.