Stay safe while camping with these 10 tips:

1. Know your water. If you plan to drink, wash or swim in local water, learn if it is safe for these activities. Water purification kits can be purchased at a local outdoor or sporting goods store.
2. Check for potential hazard such as glass, sharp objects, branches, ant beds, poison ivy, bees and hazardous terrain.
3. Learn first aid. At least two adults on your trip should have basic first aid and CPR skills.
4. Proper food safety. Without refrigeration, that coleslaw can go bad, fast. Consider food safety when planning your menu. Go here for tips and techniques.
5. Know where you’re going. Plan a route and inform someone about it and your intended return date. Do not take children into unknown areas – scout first!
6. Have a fire source or two. Even if you don’t plan to set a campfire or are prohibited from starting a campfire, a waterproof fire starter is a must when camping.
7. Know how to get help. Before taking your kids into the wilderness, know and note the fastest way to reach emergency aid, just in case.
8. Get found. Teach kids to stay in one place if they get lost. Attach a whistle to their clothing and advise them to blow it frequently if they do.
9. Wildlife are not pets. Cute and furry though they may be, wild animals are not to be approached. Be sure your child knows this before you pitch camp.
10. Campfires and stoves can be fire hazard. Teach your child to STOP and cover their face with their hands, DROP to the ground, and ROLL back and forth to smother flames.