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WriteOutdoors.net |
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Outdoor safety for kids
Labor Day weekend has arrived and so the last chance to get away for an extended camping
trip with the kids is in the works for many. A precautionary camper sampler of safety tips and fresh ideas is at hand to keep
the small outdoor adventurers out of trouble. Sensible observance of things like staying bug free, sun sense, water caution
and hiking on solid ground can make the difference between safety and disaster. Bug free precautions make the outdoors more enjoyable. Precaution is by definition a measure taken
in advance to prevent something from happening. Plan ahead for camping trip activities, to avoid exposure at the time of day certain insects are most likely to be active.
Night time is open season for feeding mosquitos especially on or near the water. Pack lightweight clothing, when boating through
mosquito infested waters and cover exposed skin with a second layer. Go scent free when camping by leaving the scented
cosmetics, perfumes and hair products at home. Use a safe proven product with a Citronella scent to protect indoor and outdoor camping spaces with bug repelling aromatics.
Enclosed net tents allow open air breezes and help adults and kids to play in comfort when bug sprays or other options are
not wanted. Don't forget the DEET when in the woods. Tick fever and other tick bourne illnesses are on the rise across Missouri and
beyond. Diseases carried by ticks and mosquitos do not distinguish between adult and child and both could potenentially become
fatally ill with erichliosis after a tick bite. Check for and remove all ticks immediately. Children are especially sensitive to allergies from both natural and chemically produced bug repellants that are meant
to keep them safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a 30 percent concentration of DEET is safe for children.
Parents opting to use citronella or other natural repellents should remember that they need to be reapplied in small amounts
frequently
Sun sense is simple for the kids. Apply sun screen. Remember to reapply sun screen every few hours.
Cover exposed skin. Bring sun glasses or a comfortable hat that offers shade for their eyes. Water caution is always a concern for parents. Prevent drowning incidents involving teens and young children by
teaching water safety and watching them closely when in the water.. Kids young and old need to exercise caution in and around
the water. The purpose of a life jacket is to save a life. Purchase one for everyone in the boat. Hiking on solid ground is not always possible, but well fitted or adapted foot wear is necessary. Sandals in the brush
might put the poison oak on little feet. Make sure kids hiking boots don’t cause blisters before they spend all day
in footwear that rubs raw spots on their ankles.
Wildlife encounters are more likely out in the woods or on the water. Birds swoop in to take a
fresh catch that struggles from being reeled in on a hook. A tiny box turtle withdraws into her shell as hikers scuttle past.
Deer forage beyond the brush in an open meadow. Porcupine scoot through the now occupied campsite that is usually unused.
Beautiful moments in nature like those mentioned above are excellent opportunities to see God’s creation up close and
personal. To close and too personal without the proper respect for the danger of unpredictable wildlife can bring a special
moment in nature to an accidental injury. Emergency? Be prepared. Cell phones are great if you get service in your choice outdoor playgrounds. Everyday sprains and
cuts can be eased by a small first aid kit that fits into your pocket or a day pack. Half a dozen bandaids, a pair of tweezers,
some aspirin and tablets of pepto bismol are enough to get most families through any rough spots on the trail. Dehydration is a very common condition that we adults often overlook in our daily lives. Outdoor recreation coupled with
heat and humidity can bring trouble to active little ones as well. Soda is often harsh and steals from the balance of internal
fluid. Juice and gatorade are just not enough to replenish the moisture that is lost in a day of heat exposure, hiking exertion
and wind exposure even on balmy days. Get all your hikers a RedHead hydration pack for those long active days out on the trail.
The back pack not only holds a water bladder for thirst but has extra deep pockets for small items and an outter
zippered pouch to carry lunch items. Common illness and conditions need not cause outdoor limitation. Seizure sufferers are usually restricted, from swimming
without a guardian to watch them and in some cases from activities that involve heights like mountain climbing or repelling.
Don’t let those types of limitation stop the fun - go ahead with outdoor activities with the extra precaution and
assistance needed to stay safe. Leading neurologists agree that epilepsy should not hinder the person in life. Vision impairment
and diabetes are other common conditions that require assistive devices like eye glasses and medications. Those conditions
like seizure disorder do not halt the persons life or enjoyment of recreation in any way.
Kid friendly gear is the key to making the camp experience more memorable for the kids. That way
they look forward to the next family camping trip. BassPro XLcots are great for the kids and adults too BassPro cabin tent brings the whole family into the camping scene A battery operated handheld fan keeps little ones cool Coleman makes faux lanterns with a mesh globe for keeping lightening bugs. Any inexpensive brand light weight compact flashlight that floats is great on the water and in the tent. For the family that is hardy and adventurous Sierra Designs sleeping bags offer the Coyotes and the Big Dog for summer
and cold winter nights. Children will stay toasty on the river bank or out in the back yard despite temperatures that
dip below freezing. Stearns makes lots of fun water recreation toys like tubes, knee boards and life jackets to name a few.
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