Camping in the Great Outdoors

Here are some safety reminders to keep your excursion into Mother Nature's arms fun, relaxing and peaceful -- the way it should be:

Before You Leave:
• Do not take valuables with you while camping. They can be lost or stolen.
• Carry only enough cash for emergencies, phone calls and unexpected fees.
• Make sure that you have all the equipment, clothing and food you need for your trip. Use a checklist to make sure you don't forget anything.
• Check all your paperwork--maps, campsite reservations, parking and wilderness permits.
• Leave an itinerary with someone you trust. Include your time of departure, your car make, model and license plate number, route of travel, camping sites, final destination and expected time of return. Leave a copy in your car under the seat.
• Pack an emergency kit with a knife, waterproof matches, firestarting materials, compass, map, first-aid kit, whistle, high-energy snacks, flashlight with fresh batteries, sunscreen and insect repellent, and a blanket or sleeping bag.
• Pack your first aid kit with bandages, antibacterial ointment, ace bandage, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, antihistamine tablets for bee stings, and any prescription medicines you require.

While On The Trail:
• Carry plenty of water while hiking. You should drink two to four quarts per day.
• Carry a water purification kit or iodine tablets to treat drinking water. Or, boil water for at least one minute to kill possible bacteria.
• Protect yourself from hypothermia when hiking in cool winds or wet weather. Dress in layers, stay dry, protect yourself from wind. Always carry extra socks.
• Drink water and eat frequent snacks. Outdoor activities, including hiking, require greater energy than you realize. Don't wait until you feel hungry or thirsty to eat and drink.
• Stay on the trail. If you get lost, stop, stay calm and try to retrace your steps until you find the trail markers again. If this doesn't work, try to orient yourself to your general location using a map, compass or the sun. If you still can't find the trail, follow a river or stream downstream. If nightfall approaches, stay put and find your way out in daylight. If you have a whistle, blow it to attract help.

While At the Campsite:
• Be extremely careful about food storage if bears are known to frequent the area where you are camping. Keep food in airtight plastic containers away from your tent or hang from trees in plastic bags at least 10 feet high in a branch that will not support a bear's weight. Keep your campsite free of trash and remove clothes you've worn while cooking. Hang such clothing with your pack.
• Never store food in your tent.
• Select a campsite with a safe, level cooking area to minimize fire risk and unnecessary clearing. Use a stove, if possible. It's cleaner, faster and safer. If you build a fire, keep it small and safe. In some areas, you may need permission for a campfire.
• Don't wash dishes, clothes or yourself directly in a pond or stream. Use a bucket and dispose of waste water at least 200 feet from a natural water supply. Use only biodegradable soap.
• Deposit human waste six inches below the earth's surface at least 200 feet from water. Cover with soil. It is biodegradable.
• Spend as much time dismantling and restoring your campsite in the wilderness as you spent setting it up. Leave no signs of your stay.