Camping? Here's a Checklist to Help Stay Safe

Camping is a favorite activity for people across northeast and central Wisconsin. Many people look forward to spending quality time in the outdoors, immersing themselves in nature away from the routine of daily life.

A health expert with ThedaCare encourages campers and outdoor enthusiasts to keep enjoying the pastime while making sure health and safety stay top of mind.

“There’s so much to love about camping,” said Tina Bettin, a Nurse Practitioner with ThedaCare Physicians-Manawa. “Whether you’re enjoying time in nature with family and friends or on your own, always stay prepared and make yourself aware of potential health and safety concerns.”

Bettin offered 10 tips to help people stay safe and healthy while camping and enjoying the outdoors.

10 Camping Safety Considerations

1. Weather

Weather can change in an instant.

Stay up to date on forecasts and plan ahead.
For remote trips where cell phone coverage is spotty, bring a small hand-crank emergency radio for weather updates.
Bring rain gear, particularly when far from shelter.

2. Sun/Heat

Don’t let sunburn or heat-related illness ruin the camping experience.

Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Consider wearing a hat, sunglasses and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing.
In the summer sun, avoid drinking alcohol, which can speed up dehydration. Drink plenty of water and stay ahead of thirst.
Watch for signs of dehydration, which include thirst, headaches, decreased urination and dark-colored urine. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t improve within an hour.

3. Fire

Enjoy the simple pleasures of sitting around a campfire but do so safely.

Build fires only in areas designated for that purpose.
Keep a 10-foot area around the fire and keep it clear of flammable objects.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Adults should always supervise campfires and be aware of where children are in relation to the fire. Don’t let kids run or engage in horseplay around campfires.

4. Air

Take care and watch for changes in air quality.

Use an app or check the weather reports to understand air quality, especially if part of a vulnerable group, e.g. children and older adults, people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, chronic heart disease and diabetes.

5. Water

Ensure everyone stays safe on the water.

Know the swimming proficiency of everyone in the camping party and always have an adult on duty when young children are playing in the water.
Never swim alone.
If swimming in a lake, river or cloudy water, wear a bathing suit that’s highly visible underwater.
Wear life jackets when in or on a water craft of any kind.

6. Animals

Enjoy wildlife … from afar.

Properly store food both to keep it away from animals and to prevent attracting critters to the campground.
Don’t keep food in the tent.
If part of a bear encounter or other large animal while hiking, making noise is usually enough to scare them away.
Remain watchful while driving. Collisions with deer are among the most common ways people are injured by animals in Wisconsin.

7. Bugs

Mosquito and tick bites can be bothersome or worse. Take precautions.

Avoid standing water and areas with long grass.
If hiking, stay on marked trails.
Wear long, light-colored pants and long sleeves. Tuck pants into socks.
Use EPA-registered repellents to keep bugs away.
Consider treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin if spending a lot of time outdoors. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

8. Food

Camping cuisine is part of the fun. Plan ahead for safety.

Consider how best to keep items cool when needed.
Always wash or sanitize hands thoroughly before handling food.
Keep raw foods, particularly meat, separate from other foods.
Avoid cross-contamination, such as meat juices dripping on a cutting board used for other foods.
Bring enough safe water to drink and to clean dishes and utensils.

9. Bacteria and Viruses

Keeping hands clean can take extra effort but it’s worth it.

Pack bottled water, soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer and/or disposable towelettes so handwashing is not an issue if clean water is not readily available.
Know the limits of hand sanitizer. It’s less effective if hands are greasy or dirty. It’s also not effective against norovirus and other stomach bugs.

10. Cuts and Scrapes

Have the right supplies on hand.

Have a first-aid kit handy for small emergencies.
Tailor the kit to individual needs, such as including an EpiPen for those who may have an allergic reaction while camping. In general, include items like:
- Adhesive bandages and gauze pads/tape for small cuts and scrapes
- Antihistamines, antibacterial ointment and pain-relief medications
- Tweezers for splinters
- Insect sting/anti-itch meds
- Antibacterial liquid and/or wipes
- Gloves