There’s so much to love about camping in the great outdoors, and with many state borders currently closed and travel restrictions in place, there’s no better time to pack up the tent or caravan, escape from digital devices and head for the bush. At Safety Dave, we are an Australian family owned business, specialising in safety products such as tyre pressure monitoring systems, first aid kits, and rear vision systems including reversing cameras for caravans. Be prepared on your next wild and wonderful camping adventure with these handy safety tips.
Be Aware of Any Risks Around Your Camp Site
Once you have arrived at your destination, make sure you have a look around the camp site and consider the risks in the immediate area before pitching your tent.
- Avoid camping directly under large gum trees. Some species are susceptible to dropping large branches at any time. A branch dropping on a tent can have disastrous consequences and can even be fatal.
- Consider where water will drain in the event of rain. Avoid camping in creek beds and over ditches where water may pool and flood your tent.
- If you have children with you, try setting up away from potential dangers like rivers, creeks, or steep drop-offs.
Make Sure You Pack First Aid Equipment
Many camp sites are in remote locations far away from medical assistance. In the event that something goes wrong and you need to treat an injury, burn or bite, a comprehensive and well-stocked first aid kit is essential. Make sure you keep first aid supplies on you when heading away from the site if you choose to go hiking or bushwalking. A few supplies in your backpack such as bandages and some antiseptic cream to clean up any scratches and cuts will save you from pain and prevent infection in the event you have an injury along the trail.
Be Mindful of the Wildlife
Kangaroos, emus, possums and kookaburras may be cute to look at but they aren’t the cuddly creature you expect them to be, so keep a safe distance. They can also be crafty when it comes to raiding your campsite so make sure you keep food inside your tent and dispose of rubbish properly in campground bins. While it’s good to keep an eye out for big animals, it’s usually the smaller critters that will likely cause the most problems. Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can bite and cause irritation and even carry diseases. Be sure to use insect repellent and keep the fly screens on tents closed whenever possible. Camping in winter makes it unlikely you will encounter any snakes, but remember that snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked, so if you do stumble up one, let it be. Even little snakes can be dangerous!
Practice Campfire Safety
One of the best things about camping is sitting around a roaring fire, but before you strike a match, make sure you know the rules. Not all parks or campgrounds allow campfires, however when they are allowed, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Fires within your campground site should be at least 3 metres from tent walls, shrubs and trees
- Keep your fire small and contained in a designated area like a fire pit
- You should never leave a fire unattended
- Make sure your travel with a fire extinguisher
- Always keep a water bucket nearby and put the fire out before leaving or going to sleep
- Make sure your camping equipment, especially flammable items such as aerosols, gas bottles and fuel cans, are stored well away
- Keep a close eye on the kids and teach them how to be safe around fires. Don’t let them poke the fire or throw things into it, and make sure they keep a safe distance
Drive Safely
It’s important to drive safely both on your journey and once you are in and around the campground. Some handy hints include:
- Pull over for a break whenever you start to feel bored, tired or uncomfortable. Even if you feel good, stop for a break every 2 hours.
- Overtake safely and take your time and always keep an eye out for potholes and obstacles on the road.
- Try to avoid driving in parks and campgrounds from sunset to sunrise as this is when wildlife is most active.
- Take care and drive to the conditions, especially on unsealed roads and tracks. Gravel and dirt road surfaces can be unpredictable so it’s best to slow down to avoid losing control.
- If you want to stop to check out a view and take a photo, make sure you only stop where it’s safe to do so and keep an eye out for other road-users.
- Campgrounds are busy places at school holiday times, so take care when reversing a caravan, and try to use reversing cameras for caravans or have a fellow traveller guide you into your camping spot.
If you want more advice on how you can make your car or caravan safer for your next road trip adventure, get in touch with us today on 1800 072 338 . With the largest range of fire safety equipment, first aid kits and reversing cameras for caravans, cars and other vehicles, Safety Dave is your one-stop safety shop.
