You already know that fall is a great time to pack up your camping gear, hook up the RV, and head out to wherever the road will take you. But before you set off on that long-awaited family vacation or couple’s retreat, make sure you’re playing it safe. There’s never a bad time to brush up on safe (and not-so-safe) camping behaviors.
Get Some Shade
You might love getting some time in the sunshine, but too much sun exposure can leave you dehydrated, burned, or with heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Set up your RV’s shade canopy so that you’ll always have a protected place to sit while enjoying the great outdoors. And don’t forget the SPF: sunscreen is a must anytime you’re outside.
Wear Lifejackets
Camping at the lake or river this summer? Play it safe by packing lifejackets for the entire family – then making sure everyone is wearing theirs.
Even if kids are simply playing near a body of water, lifejackets are an important part of keeping everyone safe. And, of course, never leave kids alone in or around the water.
Prepare Food Safely
Camping is all about packing food to go. Just be sure you’re keeping your food properly cooled in an ice-packed cooler or in your RV’s refrigerator. Wash hands before preparing foods and use hand sanitizer often.
If you’re cooking over an open flame, use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s done to its proper temperature, since the outside often cooks faster than the inside.
Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
With its confined space, sleepers in a camper or RV can be susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning. First and foremost, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in good working order before heading out.
When sleeping, keep windows open to allow air to circulate (and likely make you more comfortable in the warm summer months). Watch out for symptoms of poisoning, like dizziness, vomiting, weakness and headaches.
Watch Out for Pests
Bug bites can be annoying, but they can also make you pretty sick. Avoid mosquito bites and ticks by regularly applying insect repellent containing DEET.
Additionally, check your body (and your kids) for ticks on a daily basis. Long sleeves and pants can help prevent annoying and serious bug bites.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is always a concern when lighting fires and cooking outdoors. Make sure you build stable, safe fires that you fully extinguish when you are done. Before bed every night and before you leave your campsite, make sure it is completely extinguished.
This information is for educational purposes. VIARV shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with an RV professional.