Enjoy the Summer - Camping Fire Safety Tips

Nothing says "summer" like a campfire or bonfire, but these fun activities also present a number of safety hazards. According to a report from the US fire Administration, summer is one of the most dangerous seasons for fire-related injuries and deaths. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while still having a great time. By knowing and practicing summer fire safety tips, you can enjoy many wonderful times in the great outdoors filled with laughter, happiness and safety.

If you'll be spending the summer camping or just toasting marshmallows in the back yard, it's a good idea to educate yourself about campfire safety. Keep the following tips in mind.

Follow Area Rules

Always follow the campfire rules for the area where you are camping or living. Some parks and towns prohibit fires, and these rules are there for a reason. Check the local regulations before you build your fire.

Know to Stop, Drop, and Roll

It is important to make sure that all members of your family know to "Stop Drop & Roll" if an article of clothing ever catches on fire. Instead of just talking about it to young children, practice the steps together.

Check Your Surroundings

Choose a location for your campfire where it will not spread. Never build a campfire near any dry leaves or grassy areas or under overhanging tree branches. Before building a campfire, clear away all shrubbery and vegetation from the area, dig a pit for the fire, and surround it with rocks.

Be Smart About Lighter Fluid

Do not store gasoline, liquid fire starter, or any other type of flammable liquid near the campfire. It's too easy for stray flames to ignite these materials.

Keep Your Fire Away from the Tent

Do not place your campfire near the tent. It should always be placed downwind from the tent. Only use tents made from flame-retardant materials if you'll be having a campfire.

Keep It Under Control

Do not build large campfires, even if they seem impressive. It's much safer to keep fires small so they are easier to control.

Stay Nearby

Never leave a campfire lit if there is no one to attend to it. If you're going to sleep for the night, always take the time to put the fire out.

Be Prepared

Never light a campfire if you do not have the means of extinguishing it. Always keep plenty of water and a shovel near the campfire to use in an emergency and to put the campfire out when you are finished using it.

Know How to Put It Out

To extinguish a campfire douse it with water, use the shovel to bury the fire with ash and dirt. Then douse the area with water.

 

Travel Tips for Hurricane Season - #4

Hurricanes don’t happen every day, but when they do, they can cause significant damage and create chaos. Some seasons are heavily active, while others may only see one or two major storms that never make landfall. The weather is unpredictable, so opting not to travel at all during hurricane season isn’t necessary. Being prepared for the possibility, however, will ensure that you will still enjoy your vacation, while staying safe and protecting yourself as well as your investment.

Tip #4 - Set up a special hurricane preparedness plan. The key to dealing with a hurricane is to be prepared; this applies to both locals and visitors. Take heed to all hurricane evacuations. This is especially important to visitors; particularly those who don’t live in hurricane zones and aren’t familiar with the dangers of a hurricane. Research options for places to continue your trip should you have to evacuate your original destination. If you live in hurricane zone, and will be away at some point during hurricane season, arrange for hurricane preparedness for your home to minimize damage that may occur by a storm while you’re away. Provide friends and loved ones with your contact information should they need to reach you in the event of a hurricane.

Travel Tips for Hurricane Season - #3

Hurricanes don’t happen every day, but when they do, they can cause significant damage and create chaos. Some seasons are heavily active, while others may only see one or two major storms that never make landfall. The weather is unpredictable, so opting not to travel at all during hurricane season isn’t necessary. Being prepared for the possibility, however, will ensure that you will still enjoy your vacation, while staying safe and protecting yourself as well as your investment.

Tip # 3 - Inquire with lodging/transportation option about hurricane policies. Some hotels, resorts, transportation options, and other tourist venues have policies on hurricane impact. Check with your travel service provider to find out if this is available, and what’s covered. While it’s not advisable to rely on this in lieu of travel insurance, this can give you added coverage and options should unforeseen circumstances occur related to a hurricane.

Travel Tips for Hurricane Season - #2

Hurricanes don’t happen every day, but when they do, they can cause significant damage and create chaos. Some seasons are heavily active, while others may only see one or two major storms that never make landfall. The weather is unpredictable, so opting not to travel at all during hurricane season isn’t necessary. Being prepared for the possibility, however, will ensure that you will still enjoy your vacation, while staying safe and protecting yourself as well as your investment.

Tip # 2 -

Set up an additional travel destination option. While a visit to Jamaica, South Beach, or the Carolina coast are excellent and extremely popular choices for a summer vacation, these cities also see frequent hurricane activity, even in close-call brushes. Even indirect hits have been known to seriously alter travel depending on weather conditions. Flights in or out of these cities can be grounded without warning. Gloomy weather can ruin a trip to the beach or even make it dangerous to get in the water. Theme parks can suddenly close; cruises are often forced to change the itinerary, or depart hours earlier than scheduled. Having a backup plan (preferably somewhere inland) will ensure that you can still have an enjoyable trip should your plans for your first choice fall through.