Camping Safety Tips from Newark Police

From Newark Police

Camping can be a fun, nature-filled, event for the whole family. Whether it's in a forest, at a beach or in the desert, it can and should be a great experience.

While camping can be an opportunity to temporarily forget about some of life's pressures, it's not an opportunity to forget about personal safety and security. Certainly the chances of crime are minimal when camping, but the risks still exist and a few simple crime preventive steps can he ensure a fun, safe and secure lime for all.

Safety and security begins before you even leave home.

Speaking of leaving home - make sure to not bring that which you don't need which could be a target for thieves, such as expensive jewelry, laptop computers, expensive electronic games and other valuables that someone could target. For those items that you need to bring, make sure to take them with you or lock in your vehicle trunk when leaving the campsite.

Check before you go. Make sure that the area you a planning on camping in is safe for your family. You may want to consider some safety measures such as: is there on-duty 24 hour park staff or on-site park hosts, is there cell phone service (for emergencies, not work!), what is the distance to emergency services and are there any known safety issues.

When you arrive, make sure to check for any emergency procedure bulletins or signs that will tell you what to do in the event of an emergency. Talk with the young people in your family and be sure to set boundaries for them in where they may or may not be allowed to go. For young children consider requiring them to be accompanied by an adult (or older child) when going to the camp regrow and shower facilities. Remind them that even though they are in a special natural Nee, there are sit people who should be avoided and to let you know about anyone or anything they do not feel comfortable with.

I'm lost! Now what? The chance always exists that even the best-behaved child may be lured away from a campsite by the call of the wild and go "exploring." Instruct children that if they were to become lost that the best way of being found is to STOP. Stay where they are and wait for help to arrive.

Finally, as with all trips, be sure to expect the unexpected. If your adventure involves a more primitive approach (out of a regular, populated campground) be sure to plan ahead and take all the supplies you need with the idea that the weather, terrain or other conditions may not be quite as you expected.

Summer camping is a great, family experience and remember that safety and security issues are important whether you are sitting in your living room in front of the fireplace or around a campfire cooking s'mores.

Follow the Newark Police Department at nixle.com.

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