Who doesn’t enjoy sitting out in the wilderness roasting marshmallows with family or friends? Or how about kayaking down the river, or swimming in the local lake? Summer time always offers great weather for adventuring out of the normal suburban life. Whether it be a few hours away or in your own back yard, camping is a great way to enjoy a breath of fresh air. But just because you are relaxing, does not mean you are safe from the outside world. Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control on how you should prepare and handle your camping trip.
“Bring safe and healthy foods along on your camping trip. Eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water can increase the risk of developing certain infectious diseases caused by germs.”
Suggested steps to keep your food and water safe:• Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers. Keep them in an insulated cooler.• Wash hands and surfaces often. Use hand sanitizer if water is not available.• Separate raw foods from cooked foods.• Cook foods to proper temperatures (for instance, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees).• Chill foods promptly.• Keep food safely stored away or out of reach of animals, as it may attract them into your camp site.
What to Pack?• An absolute must would be to bring supplies: Food, water, shelter, and some matches to start a fire would be the first things anyone should pack. Sunscreen, appropriate bedding, clothing, and bug spray are also very important.
Always be ready for the unexpected. You are out of your normal routine, so not everything will go as planned. Make sure you look up weather reports and tell your friends and family that you will be away. Always have a first aid kit ready to go, and make sure you know where the closest building or sheltered area is. Also, always remember to check for ticks!
You’re now ready to go and experience what the great outdoors has to offer while keeping yourself safe!