FEATURE
Campsite safety tips
Metro Creative Connection
The appeal of camping is undeniable . According to The Business Research Company , a market research and intelligence company , the global camping and caravanning market is expected to grow from just under $ 40 billion in 2020 to more than $ 45 billion in 2021 . Estimates suggest the market will grow even more in the coming years , reaching $ 56.6 billion by 2025 .
Camping has long been a popular pastime for outdoor enthusiasts , but it may have developed an entirely new group of devotees in 2020 . Traditional vacations may not have been possible in 2020 , when governments across the globe urged citizens to avoid conventional travel as the world found itself in the throes of a global pandemic . In an effort to overcome cabin fever , many people viewed camping as a safe way to get out of the house while still limiting contact with people from other households . That no doubt inspired new generations of camping fans , many of whom will continue to pitch their tents and sit around campfires long after the pandemic has ended .
The National Park Service recognizes the popularity of camping and urges people to stay safe . Veteran campers and novices alike can benefit from reviewing these safety tips , courtesy of the NPS .
• Plan ahead . Camping trips may not require hours of scouring travel websites in an effort to find the best deals on flights and hotels . But camping trips still require ample planning . When planning a trip , take into account who ’ s coming along . Assess their camping skills and physical fitness to determine the most appropriate place to camp . Campers with limited mobility may be best suited for accessible campsites . The
NPS urges campers to consider if everyone in the group will be able to make a long hike from the parking lot to the campsite . If not , choose a site that you can pull right up to or is just a short , easy walk from the parking lot .
• Research the campsite and surrounding area . Know as much as possible about the campsite prior to embarking on your trip . Learn about everything from the local wildlife you may encounter while camping to the condition of surrounding areas , including the altitude , the difficulty of nearby hiking trails and where to go in case of emergency .
• Develop an emergency plan . The NPS urges campers to develop an emergency plan , noting that it ’ s always wise to expect the unexpected when camping . Bring a first aid kid along when leaving the campsite to engage in activities like hiking or fishing . Go over safety protocols before going on a hike , including the need to stay together and remain on the trail at all times . More information about what to do should anyone be injured during your trip is available at www . nps . gov .
• Bring the right gear . The NPS notes that each camping trip will have its own equipment needs , which will be dictated by the setting , the time of year of the trip , the difficulty of the terrain , and the duration of the trip . Navigational supplies , sun and insect protection , insulation ( i . e ., extra clothing and blankets ), shelter , flashlights and headlamps , first aid kits , extra food and water , firestarters , repair kits and tools , and a communication device like a smartphone or satellite phone are the essential necessities that should be brought along on all camping trips .
Camping is a great way to get away . Campers of all skill and experience levels can make the most of their trips by emphasizing safety at all times .
18 • TIMELESS MERIDIAN