Staying Safe While Camping This Summer

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Ontario has more than 250,000 lakes and countless streams and rivers with more than 70 million hectares of the province classified as forest. Its natural resources, including more than 9 million hectares dedicated as parkland, make it a popular destination for campers. Whether you are a seasoned camper or someone taking the family camping for the first time, the experience of living for a few days or several weeks surrounded by the wonders of nature can be safer if you prepare properly and exercise a few precautions.

Bring the right equipment

Whether camping at one of the provincial parks throughout Ontario, at a private campground or in a remote wilderness area, your safety and comfort depends upon bringing the right gear and equipment for the conditions you expect to encounter. Some of the items you might need include:

• Sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses
• Tents
• Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions
• Stoves and cooking equipment
• First aid kit
• Knives and tools

The list of what you might need while camping can vary from one time of the year to the next and from one location to another. Provincial parks offer some guidance on the equipment you might need, but there are also commercial outfitters that sell camping gear and are more than willing to advise you about what you might need.

Let someone know where you are going

No matter whether you are camping alone or with other people, always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Provide the person with contact information for the park rangers, campground officials or other person to notify in the even you do not return on time.

Be prepared for changes in the weather

A forecast for warm and dry weather can quickly turn into wet and chilly. Be prepared by bringing rain gear and a waterproof tarp or other covering to keep your food, belongings and firewood dry. When setting up your camp site, make certain rainwater will drain away from your tent and not into it.

Be ready for insects

Insects can be a major source of annoyance, discomfort and disease depending upon the type of insect you encounter. Ticks, for example, are a problem during the summer months, so protect yourself by wearing long pants and tucking the bottom of the pants leg into your socks. You should also check yourself, children and pets for ticks at regular intervals.

Use insect repellent by applying it to your clothing and wash your hands thoroughly after applying it. Repellent should not be applied directly to the skin.

Bear encounters are dangerous

Check with the outfitter or park officials to determine if you will be in an area in which bears are known to exist. If you are, keep all food items and garbage in sealed containers to avoid attracting bears to your campsite.

A bear might look cute, but they can be extremely dangerous, so if you encounter a bear, back away slowly and avoid doing anything to antagonize it. Report bear encounters to park rangers or other officials.

Ontario personal injury lawyers can help

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation for individuals suffering injuries in accidents caused by the negligence of others. If you have been injured in an accident, you could have a claim for compensation. Call the Diamond and Diamond 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and case evaluations to injury victims throughout Ontario.