If you’ve been camping this weekend, or if you’re planning to go a few times this summer, you can attest to the importance of knowing what it takes to stay safe.  Here are a few tips I came across.

*   Be familiar with stories of how others have survived in the wilderness.  Attitude is important.  Many who survived seemingly shouldn’t have.  The book Deep Survival offers good material on this.

*   Tell others where you are going.  If you change your plans, leave a note or some means of informing those who should know.

*   Know your priorities.  Do the important things first.  You must especially have shelter and water.

*   Know some first aid.  At least have a booklet or deck of cards and a few first aid items.

*   Be mindful of possible shelters.  Are there any caves nearby or trees to protect you from rain or snow?  Do you have provisions for making a shelter?

*   Always plan ahead.  For example, look for water and shelter before you need it.  Don’t let problems become survival emergencies.

*   If you’ll be in the wilderness for a night or more, have two ways to start a fire.

*   Know what is edible.  Your body needs water more than food, but if you know what plants or small animals you can eat, it could be a psychological as well as physical boost.

*   Know how to navigate.  Could you function without maps or GPS?  Do you know directions or how to determine them?  What would you do to find a road or previous point of reference?

*   Know how to stay warm and dry.  Hypothermia is a killer.

            Stay safe wherever you go camping, boating, climbing, or hiking this season.

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