As a new abode in the outdoors for a period of time, a campsite must have similar protection for health and safety as our own homes. Such are basic sanitary amenities for the disposal of wastes such as garbage, waste water, and body wastes.
What are the Do's and Don'ts when it comes to Camp Sanitation and Safety?
These amenities are available in public camping areas. When camping in other places, there must be a plan for waste disposal. The location should be near the fire but not in places where campers usually walk.
How do we eliminate camping garbage?
Wrappings such as paper and plastics should be burned. Nowadays, non-burnable foil or plastic are used over paper packaging. That is why it is best to get in the habit of carrying all the garbage out.
Other garbage that won't be burned must be properly eliminated. Empty tin cans and glass jars should be placed on a plastic bag and be carried in the pack to the trash can. Garbage or other kitchen wastes should never be buried for animals will dig them up.
It is imperative to properly store and get rid of trash and garbage in camp for not doing so will attract pests such as rodents, insects, and other wild animals. Garbage must be taken at least 90 feet away from where you are camping and cooking.
How do we dispose body wastes?
Body waste must be disposed of in a latrine. Organized camping sites mostly have these conveniences. However, when camping in the backwoods or on the wilderness, latrine is to be dug manually.
Place latrine on a secluded area far from the camp site and from the water supply for at least 300 meters or more. It should never be located uphill from the water source for heavy rainfall may cause its contamination.
Over night camping latrines for several persons may be a hole of about 46 centimeters deep and 30 centimeters across. Paddles should be made after every use of the latrine. Cover the hole with dirt before leaving the camping area. Disguise the site by scattering leaves and grasses on top of it.
How do we secure safe drinking water?
Drinking water should be secured for safety. Areas with good water are located in the federal, provincial, and state campsites. When in doubt, it is better to boil water for three minutes to make sure that the water is safe. It would taste even better if poured from one container to another for several times.
Tablets for water-purification may be purchased from camp-equipment suppliers and drug stores. Check for its manufacture date, and follow the directions that go along with its package.
Camping First Aid
Wise campers should know about first aid in treating common injuries such as:
o Cuts
o Blisters
o Sunburns
o Burns
o insect bites
o and scratches
The following supplies are needed:
o adhesive bandages
o adhesive tape
o needles
o a roll of sterile gauze
o sterile compresses
o a small bottle of antiseptic
o a small tube of burn ointment
o and insect repellant
It is wise to leave the camp site clean. As a matter of fact good campers leave the location as if no one has ever camped there. Fireplaces should be cleaned out. All holes that have been dug should be filled out. For the soil not to be washed out when it rains, leaves should be scattered back on the ground.
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