Planning on doing some hiking and camping this summer? It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the warm weather. But the great outdoors can be dangerous — and even deadly — if you aren’t prepared. Here are some tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designed to keep you and your family safe on your next outdoor excursion:
Bring the protective gear along. Don’t skip helmets, life jackets and other protective gear. Insist everyone wear helmets when riding anything with wheels. If you plan to ride in a boat, canoe or other watercraft, make a life jacket mandatory for all family members.
Never hike or swim alone. Don’t wander off alone, and keep a close eye on your children, especially around water. Each year children drown in streams, rivers and lakes. And each year, children — and adults — get lost after venturing off alone.
Take precautions with fuel-burning equipment. Even in the summertime, it can get a bit chilly in the evenings. But you’ll never want to use gas stoves, heaters, lanterns or charcoal grills inside a tent, camper or other enclosed area. Doing so can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can cause illness and death.
Apply insect repellent. Know which insects are dangerous where you’re planning on going. For example, if you’re going somewhere with mosquitoes, use a spray to help prevent bites, which could lead to West Nile Virus.
For a host of other resources designed to help you and your family enjoy a wide range of summer activities, go to this link. Have a great summer!