Camping Safety
Planning a safe family camping trip in the Kettle Moraine area can be an enjoyable experience if you are prepared. Knowing your limits, taking the time to plan ahead, and packing the right items will help your adventure go off without a hitch.
Common Camping Dangers
One common mistake made by camping families is not being ready for seasonal
transitions in terms of proper clothing and equipment. Storms blow in and out
during all seasons, and there can be sudden shifts in temperatures in spring and
fall. Precipitation and wind leads to rapid cooling, especially at nightfall
when temperatures drop.
Excessive heat can be a problem for young children. On hot days, hike in the cooler mornings and evenings. During the day, spend time in shaded areas. When you or your child is exposed to the sun, wear skin protection including hats, sunscreen, and cotton clothes.
Another common problem is getting lost. Teach your children how to recognize landmarks at the campsite and on hikes. While hiking, encourage them to turn around and look at the trail to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. Teach children to remain where they are and stay calm if they are lost. Children should wear whistles (whistles can be heard farther away than the human voice) and know the universal help signal of three blows or loud sounds.
Proper Clothing
To protect against sudden temperature and weather changes, wear multi-layered
clothing made of polypropylene, wool, and cotton. Layers of clothing such as
tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters will allow you or your child to
reduce or increase clothing as needed. To protect against rain and wind, bring
breathable, lightweight waterproof jackets and pants.
All family members need comfortable hiking shoes to prevent blistering. When hiking, tuck pant cuffs into socks and boots to protect against ticks. Children should wear brightly colored clothes to increase visibility. Caps or hats are also a good idea to guard against the sun and protect children's heads from insects.
Setting Up a Campsite
At campgrounds in the Kettle Moraine area, many natural hazards are less likely
to be encountered. But there are other dangers such as broken glass, discarded
needles, and other hazardous trash. Scout the area before setting up a tent.
During fire-hazard periods and dry seasons, use portable stoves rather than
campfires.
Drinking the Water
Assume that all wilderness streams, creeks, and lakes are potentially
contaminated water sources due to domestic and wild animals. Giardia lambia, a
common parasitic contaminant, can cause nausea, bloating, gas, stomach cramps,
and explosive diarrhea. If you are unable to bring bottled water with you on
your trip, iodine is an inexpensive and easy way to purify water (you can
purchase iodine tablets that dissolve in the water). You can also use water
filters. Boiling is acceptable, but takes a lot of time, energy, and resources.
Plants and Insects
Common plants to be wary of are poison oak, sumac, and ivy. Your best bet is to
avoid touching any unknown plants, and dress your children in long-sleeved
shirts and pants to protect the skin from exposure to plants that may cause
allergic reactions. There are also products available that you can apply before
your hike, that will act as a protective barrier against the oils of the plants.
Any area that comes in contact with a poisonous plant should be washed
immediately with soap and cold water. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) will sometimes
successfully stop the rashes and blistering associated with poison ivy.
Antihistamines taken by mouth are effective for allergic reactions or rashes ranging from contact with poison ivy to mosquito bites to bee and wasp stings. Use citronella-based products to repel insects and put it on clothing instead of skin whenever possible. Repellents containing DEET can also be used. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products for children contain no more than 10% DEET. DEET-containing products may be used on children older than 2 years.
Another camping concern is ticks, which can carry several types of infections, including Lyme disease. Check your child at the end of each day for ticks. Be sure to check in places like behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin area, where ticks like to hide.
Protecting Against Animals
Teach your children that animals in the wild are strong and agile, and will
defend themselves and their young if threatened. Children should not approach
wild animals, even small ones, and should
never feed them. Don't leave
your children unsupervised - small children are vulnerable. Instruct your
children to stay calm and call loudly for help if they encounter a wild animal.
Always ask the park rangers or camp hosts about wild animals in your campground. Keep the campsite free of food odors and do not bring food into tents. Pack food in your cars overnight; if you are going on a long camping trip, pack food in re-sealable plastic bags and animal-resistant containers.
First-Aid Kit
Bring a first-aid kit and take a first-aid and CPR course to know how to use its
contents. Your first-aid kit should include the following items:
In addition, bring a liquid antiseptic soap to clean wounds. Don't forget extra protective dressings for severe arm or leg blisters. Knowing how to make a splint in case of injury is also useful and can be learned in first-aid classes.
Here are some helpful tips and information so that you will be well prepared for your camping trip. Please cut them out and keep them handy so that your next camping trip will be safe and a good time for all.
· Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight left to check over the entire campsite and to set-up camp.
· Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches that could fall or are hung low.
· Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Check for areas that could flood or become extremely muddy and cause problems.
· Look for level with enough room to spread out all your camping gear.
· Look for a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of the prevailing winds. This will help block the wind if it should gust or get quite strong.
· Check for potential hazards at the campsite such as: poison ivy, bees, ants, sharp objects and other dangerous areas.
· Dispose of all trash properly in the proper recycling bins if available.
· Return the campsite to its original condition for the next camper if you disturb it in any way.
· Don't forget your good recycling habits on vacation. They are just as important camping as they are at home.
· RV campers should be extremely careful to travel on proper roads within the site so as not to get stuck. Not all roads within the site are made for an R.V.
· Check your R.V. before leaving home, en route, at the campsite upon arrival and before departure for any damage, repairs or maintenance problems.
· Make sure everyone in the R.V. is using seat belts whenever possible. That includes passengers as well.
· Your holding tanks should be using non-toxic chemicals at all times.
A small campfire can turn into a roaring forest fire. Take precautions when lighting, maintaining and putting out your campfire:
2. Circle the pit with rocks or be sure it already has a metal fire ring.
3. Clear a five-foot area around the pit down to the soil.
5. Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
6. After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
Camping Emergency Basics
In the case of an emergency, the most important thing to do is to remain calm.
During an emergency, families need to decide together on the best plan of
action, examining the resources available. Before your trip, notify friends and
families of your destination and time of return. And sign up at park registers
before and after wilderness treks. If you've provided your child with a whistle
and instructed him or her to wait in a sheltered area if he or she is lost, you
should be able to find him or her more readily. If your family has a cell phone,
bring it along - and make sure it's charged.
Survey campsites for riverbanks and cliffs. Check out climbing trees for dead branches and moss, both of which cause falls. Children can learn about the world around them while exploring the outdoors, and you can continue to enjoy camping and the woods safely.
Should you need emergency assistance dial 911. This will put you in contact with Fond du Lac county dispatch and they will send the appropriate resources to your emergency. Fond du Lac county is equipped to pinpoint your location when calling from a cellular phone if your phone has the required GPS component. Please notify a park ranger or the camp host of your emergency. This will allow them to assist personnel from the fire department to get to your location quickly.
What is an Emergency?
People often have difficulty deciding whether a medical problem is serious in nature. Below are a few examples of when you require emergency medical care – and 911 should be called immediately.
· Experiencing pains or tightness in the chest.
· When you have severe pain.
· When you have shortness of breath.
· When a person is choking or having difficulty breathing.
· When you think you may have fracture or broken a bone.
· When you think a wound may require stitches.
· When you have sudden, severe headaches, vision problems sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking or dizziness.
· If your child has diarrhea or vomiting and will not eat or drink.
Remember
· If you have any doubts call 911. EMS will take you to the appropriate emergency department.
What to Expect When You Call 911?
Be prepared to answer the following questions related to the patient’s condition: