Camping Safety: Communication
Set rules and follow them
Camping, especially with children, can be quite a complicated activity. To ensure everyone's safety, set rules and boundaries for in and around the campsite. Advise campers, especially children, what things they should and should not do.
Familiarize yourself with the surroundings
Once you've arrived at the camp, make sure that you and the other campers immediately familiarize yourselves with the surroundings. Take note of landmarks such as large trees. Make sure these landmarks can be seen from the campsite.
Whistle, whistle, whistle
Give each camper a whistle. Establish codes for specific situations that everyone could easily follow and heed. For example, a whistle blown three times means "help". Whistles that are blown two times could mean "I'm here."
Carry bright colors
Have campers carry trash bags that are colored brightly. If someone becomes lost, these bags could be used as a device to signal to the others your location. Also, the bags could be used during an emergency for temporary shelter. Simply cut a slit at the bag's top and pull it over your head.
High-tech communication
Hand-held radios
This equipment is very handy now-a-days and so could be easily transportable anywhere and anytime campers need to communicate with each other. Currently though, such an equipment is also used not just in camping but also by families that are out shopping or attending a large sports event.
Laser range finders
Though they were once large and difficult to actually use, today's finders are light, user-friendly and extremely accurate.
Global positioning system
Currently, units that have gps are used by the military and units involved in search and rescue operations. Though these equipments have features that are high-tech, they are still easy to operate and very user friendly.
Night vision goggles
The movies are not the only place this equipment could be seen and used. These devices are now readily available. Though these equipments are sophisticated, they are very easy to use, weighs light, and is compact and handy.
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Backpacking
Backpacking combines hiking and camping in a single activity. You can spend just one night or you can spend weeks in the woods. You will need to carry supplies and equipment that will allow you to eat and sleep comfortably.By packing all of your gear into a backpack, you are able to take long hik...