The Summer Guide to Camping Safety
Camping trips are a fun and affordable way to enjoy a vacation. The popularity of recreational vehicles surged during the pandemic when the desire to escape the confines of home led to safe outdoor adventures. Camping remains one of Missouri’s most popular pastimes, and the state boasts many amazing state parks and campsites ideal for pitching a tent, parking an RV, or enjoying an evening of car camping.
No camping trip is complete without a campfire. Unfortunately, these small blazes can spread out of control without warning. During the hot summer, campers need to learn crucial campfire safety tips to mitigate the risk of forest fires and burn injuries. Use MFPD’s guide to camping and campfire safety to learn best practices for starting a campfire and avoiding other camping mishaps.
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Camping trips often end the day with a campfire. However, summer days lead to dry weather and Burn Bans. Campers must understand any bans and restrictions for campfires at their campsite. Before venturing out for a camping trip, emergency responders urge the public to adhere to other important safety precautions.
Simple and Effective Campfire Safety Tips
As emergency responders who manage devastating fires regularly, all fire safety takes priority for the crews. When Mehlville residents venture out to state parks and campsites across Missouri, we want them to stay safe. We also want our residents to demonstrate respect for the community where they vacation by abiding by fire safety best practices when they light a campfire. There are 10 important rules that help facilitate safety:
- Never start a campfire when a county issues a Burn Ban. This ban prohibits any outdoor burning, even campfires. Counties issue Burn Bans when dry conditions pose a threat to land and property.
- Keep campfires 15 feet from tents and other property.
- Pits should be at least a foot deep and surrounded by rocks.
- Use only untreated wood to feed a campfire.
- Never add any type of fuel to a campfire. The blaze could quickly burn out of control, leading to destruction, injuries, and even death.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Keep children (and pets) at least three feet from the campfire.
- Pack a standard ABC extinguisher in case of a fire emergency.
- Completely extinguish the fire before going to bed. All embers should be extinguished.
- Call 911 if any blaze begins to spread.
How to Prevent Camping Stove Fires
Many campers pack a camping stove for cooking ease. These stoves should never be used on grass or any other flammable material. Instead, position them on concrete slabs and make sure the stoves are on an even surface (this prevents tipping). Campers also should be mindful of oil and grease when cooking.
As with any heat source, keep an ABC fire extinguisher nearby. Remember that salt and baking soda also can extinguish grease fires.
Camping Safety Tips: The Ultimate Packing List for Safety
Campfires are not the only safety hazard during camping trips. While many campers choose to camp at a local campground or state park, others prefer trekking into the wilderness. Regardless of the campsite, always camp with every emergency in mind. Remember to pack these important items:
- A first-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- An extra cell phone charger
- A flashlight (and extra batteries)
- Bottled water
- Backup sleeping bags or blankets (in case of rain)
- A whistle
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Nonperishable food
Always tell someone your location. This helps rescuers in case of an emergency.
Beware: Dangerous Wildlife in Missouri
Camping can lead to unplanned one-on-one animal encounters. Missouri is home to many types of wildlife, and not all are friendly. When camping, here are the creatures that could spoil the camping experience:
- Bobcats or cougars
- Bears
- Skunks
- Snakes (water and land)
- Snapping turtles
Bobcats and Cougars: Not a Threat to Campers
Bobcats typically are not aggressive towards humans. Like many animals, they fear humans and react by running away. However, cougars are a bit less timid. Mother cats will be aggressive. However, the Missouri Department of Conservation explains that there is no record of an attack on a human in the state. Just be cautious.
Skunks: Cute But Dangerously Smelly
Most Missourians know to simply back away from a skunk. These little black and white fluffy animals attack by spraying, and they spray when they feel threatened. For campers with the misfortune of a stinky spray, check out the recipe for a cleanser that will remove this odor (thank a chemist!). Also, tomato sauce or soup is not a solution!
Dangerous Snakes in Missouri
Missouri is home to many venomous snakes–copperheads, cottonmouths, and even rattlesnakes. Before venturing on a camping trip, familiarize yourself with the appearance of these snakes. Cottonmouths are easy to spot by their white mouth; rattlesnakes warn with a shake of their tail. Campers should seek help immediately if they are bitten by a venomous snake (especially a rattlesnake).
Black Bear Encounter Safety Tips
Missouri is home to black bears. However, these bears do not typically attack humans. While attacks are not common, campers shouldn’t push their luck. If a black bear attacks, the National Park Service urges campers not to play dead; instead, try to get to a safe area like a car. Otherwise, fight back, aiming for the muzzle or face.
Oh Snap: When Snapping Turtles Get Snappy
Snapping turtles lurk in Missouri’s rivers and lakes. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest and scariest looking of the species (the turtle also inspired the Mario character, Bowser). However, snapping turtles do not attack people in the water unless they feel threatened. Just be cautious entering rivers and lakes; always drag feet on the river (or lake) bottom. This warns any lurking turtles that something approaches. The Orianne Society explains that it is incredibly rare for a snapper to bite a human. Alligator snapping turtles are listed as a “threatened” species. Do not harm these reptiles.
Camp Smart and Be Safe!
Whether the campsite is a local KOA, a state park, or the wilderness, the Mehlville Fire Protection District wants campers to be safe and follow best practices when camping or starting a campfire. Always abide by Burn Bans and watch for signs at campsites that indicate that campfires are prohibited. Campers must also follow safety guidelines when cooking on a camping stove, as these small stoves could also ignite a fire. Remember to review the camp safety packing list before embarking on any trip!