Campsite Safety Checklist
Campsite Safety Checklist
Before you head out this weekend, here are a few reminders on how to keep your wilderness living space safe.
Emergency Preparedness
In case of emergency, have the following on hand:
- First aid kit
- Matches/lighter
- Flashlight and batteries
- Pocket knife
- Whistle, flare and flare gun
- Extra water
Campfire
Before you go, ensure you have reviewed campsite regulations and potential fire fans. Warm, dry weather can increase the risk of forest fires, but campfires can be risky all year round.
What a safe campfire looks like:
- Use an approved fire-ring or pit, and make sure there's a four-foot radius around your fire that is clear of flammable debris like twigs, grass, or firewood.
- Keep your fire at least 15 feet away from your tent.
- Never leave the fire unattended, and keep close watch of children and pets around the fire.
- Don't leave your fire burning. You should always have eight liters of water on hand to extinguish the fire, but letting the wood burn completely to ash is ideal. If using water, make sure to drown all the embers and use a shovel to break up the campfire, making sure it's totally out.
Wildlife
It can be exciting to see animals in their natural habitat, but wildlife can be dangerous and unpredictable. Keeping food secure and far off the ground can help you avoid attracting wildlife.
Wildlife safety tools to bring:
- Bear safe food storage container
- Bear spray and holster
- Noise deterrent such as an air horn
