Livingston, N.J.--The cold, dreary days of winter are gone and warm weather has arrived. For many families, summer is a time to get back into nature, breathe the fresh air and take a camping trip. An outdoor excursion can be a time of exploration and adventure, as long as campers follow some simple safety precautions.
“Although camping seems like a relatively low risk outside activity, many families underestimate what can happen in the great outdoors,” says Susan Margolin, M.D., Chief of General Pediatrics, part of The Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “The sun, insects, streams and campfires can all be potential hazards.”
Outdoor Safety
To enhance your camping experience, The Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas and The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommend the following guidelines:
General Safety
- Keep first aid supplies and emergency telephone numbers accessible at all times.
- Know where the nearest ranger station is located and carry a cell phone.
- Dress children in several layers of clothing. Remember, a child’s body temperature changes faster than an adult’s.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave.
- Pack essentials, such as flashlights, extra food, water and rain gear.
- Make sure sleeping bags are clean, warm and dry.
- Inform others where you are camping and when you will return.
Hiking Safely
- Never allow children to hike alone.
- Map out your hiking trail ahead of time. Be sure any trail you choose is well marked and do not stray from it.
- Learn to use a compass.
- Make sure children are physically capable of the hike’s distance and difficulty.
- Bring plenty of drinking water or sports drinks and high-energy snacks.
- Bring extra layers of clothing and rain gear in case the weather changes suddenly.
- Wear proper hiking boots and clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible to protect from scrapes, bites and poisonous plants.
- Keep first aid supplies accessible at all times, even on short hikes.
Water Safety
- Never leave a child unsupervised in or around water.
- Make sure kids wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs) or life jackets when around oceans, rivers, and lakes or during water sports. Air-filled “swimming aids” are not considered safety devices.
- Teach children water safety habits.
- Children should not run, push others under water, jump on others, or dive or jump into shallow water.
- Never let a child go in the water before testing the temperature. If the water is too cold, it may affect the child’s breathing or cause cramps.
- Be aware of the nature of the water. An open body of water that looks virtually motionless may have a strong undercurrent.
- Do not allow children to wade into water without protective footwear. Broken glass or other sharp objects may be present.
- Do not let your child dive into water unless an adult is present and knows the water is deeper than 9 feet.
- Adults and kids over age 13 should know infant and child CPR.
- Never allow children to swim during lightning storms or in dangerous weather.
- Make sure children have warm and dry clothes to wear after swimming.
Cooking and Heating
- Always supervise children near a campfire or portable stove.
- Teach them to stay away from campfires and stoves, even when not in use.
- Make sure your campfire pit is large enough to keep a fire from spreading.
- Always check the fire danger levels posted at the entrances of camping areas.
- Keep a bucket of water and shovel near the fire at all times.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Never use matches or lighters inside tents. Never burn charcoal, or use portable camping heaters, lanterns or stoves inside tents, campers or vehicles.
Bites and Stings
- Apply insect repellent to a child’s clothing and exposed skin. Some repellents are too strong for small children, so consult medical personnel.
- Avoid using scented products, such as perfumes and shampoos that attract insects.
- Be sure to shake out all clothing before wearing it.
- Teach children not to disturb or provoke any animals they may encounter.
- Teach children to watch out for snakes and never to touch or disturb them.
- Check clothing and skin for ticks and other insects after spending time outdoors.
SUN SAFETY
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) frequently throughout the day, even in cloudy conditions.
- Encourage children to drink water frequently to avoid dehydration.
- Be especially careful in high altitudes where the sun’s rays are stronger.
With a little planning, your summer excursion can be a delightful and safe event for the whole family.
For a referral to a Saint Barnabas Medical Center pediatrician, please call 1-888-SBMC-DOC.
Date: May, 2003
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