Whatcom County is home to breathtaking mountains, scenic forests, and beautiful beaches. It’s no surprise that camping is one of the top things to do here in the summer. While camping can bring about so many great things, such as being out in nature, connecting with loved ones, and exercising your body, it can also bring dangerous situations if you aren’t adequately prepared. If you’re planning a camping trip, we encourage you to consider these health tips to mitigate risks while camping.
1. Wear sunscreen
You should wear sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF, water resistant and protects against UVA and UVB rays. A generous amount of sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside so it has time to soak into your skin. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of water since spending time outdoors in warm weather can increase your risk of dehydration. Be careful when consuming alcohol and caffeine since these can increase your urine output which can also contribute to dehydration.
3. Treat water
If you plan on using water from freshwater sources while camping, don’t forget to treat your water to remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bringing water to a full rolling boil for 1 minute, or 3 minutes for elevation above 6,5000 feet, is the best method to kill any dangerous organisms. Other alternatives include portable water filters and purifiers, chemical disinfectants, and UV light, however, these methods are less effective.
Learn more about water treatment options when hiking, camping, or traveling on the CDC website.
4. Store food properly
Not having food stored properly can lead to foodborne illnesses causing vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, and other gastrointestinal issues. Precautions you can take include keeping food in an airtight and waterproof container. Perishable foods should be kept on ice or in a cooler.
In addition, make sure to check the campground rules to see if they have food storage requirements such as bear canisters.
5. Protect against bug bites
Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect against bug bites. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks in Washington state may carry diseases such as West Nile Virus or Lyme disease. If you are using sunscreen with insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first so it can soak into your skin before applying insect repellent.
6. Practice fire safety
Check the campground rules and local fire restrictions to see if fires are allowed at your campsite. Ensure there is no flammable debris nearby, such as overhanging tree branches and unused firewood, and keep your tent at least 15 feet away from the fire. If a campfire pit with a metal fire ring isn’t provided, encircle the fire with rocks and keep water nearby. Never leave the campfire unattended and put out your fire completely with water or sand and dirt before leaving your campsite.
7. Protect against carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas that can be deadly to humans. Fuel-burning equipment produces carbon monoxide which can become trapped at a dangerous level when using items such as gas stoves, heaters, and lanterns inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelters.
8. Bring an emergency kit
No matter how prepared you are, accidents can happen during camping trips. Emergency supplies may include extra nonperishable food, a flashlight, batteries, and a rescue whistle. In addition, pack a first aid kit that includes items such as gauze, bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and pain-relief medication.
Safe and Happy Camping!
Following camping health and safety tips is essential to keeping you, your loved ones, the ones around you, and the environment safe. Remember to always be prepared, stay alert, and respect the rules and regulations of the area you are camping in.
If you find yourself with a camping-related injury or illness in Whatcom County and need medical attention, Care Medical Group is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 on a walk-in basis. We treat non-life-threatening burns, minor sprains and lacerations, bug bites, rashes, diarrhea, and more. If you have any questions about our urgent care services, please give us a call at (360) 734-4300.
Wishing you a safe and happy camping season!