1000 SW Jackson
Suite 230
Topeka, KS 66612-1274
(785) 296-1223
(785) 296-8645 (FAX)

Coordinator:
Jan Stegelman

Executive Committee
Dennis Cooley, MD
Medical Advisor
American Academy of
Pediatrics, Kansas
Chapter

Vanda Easley
State Farm Insurance
Companies

Cindy Hermes
State Capitol Area
Firefighters Association

Ami Hyten
Kansas Trial Lawyers
Association

Elena Nuss
Kansas State
Fire Marshall's Office

Rosanne Rutkowski
Kansas State Nurses
Association

Cindy Yelkin
Kansas Hospital
Association

Taking a Camping Trip This Summer?
Don't Forget Your Safety Common Sense

The cold dreary days of winter are gone and warm weather is upon us. Cabin fever is a thing of the past. It's summer -- a time to get back into nature, breathe the fresh air and take a family camping trip. An outdoor excursion can be a great time of exploration and adventure for the entire family. Kansas SAFE KIDS reminds adults and children that taking some simple safety precautions can make a camping trip memorable for the right reasons.

"When camping, there are many outdoor hazards that families may not think about: including the sun, bugs, poisonous plants and campfires," said Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of Kansas SAFE KIDS. "While the intent of a family camping trip may be for mom and dad to relax and to let the kids have fun, parents need to pay close attention to their children's safety and whereabouts, since tragedy can happen in the blink of an eye."

Kansas SAFE KIDS recommends the following guidelines to enjoy a safe, fun camping vacation:

Safety Outdoors

• Keep first aid supplies and emergency telephone numbers accessible at all times.
• Know where the nearest telephone or ranger station is located and carry a cell phone if possible.
• Dress children in several layers of clothing. The inner layer should be a breathable synthetic material that pulls moisture from the skin.
• Remember, a child's body temperature changes faster than adults.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave.
• Pack essentials, such as flashlights, extra food, water, and rain gear in case of bad weather.
• Make sure sleeping bags are clean, warm and dry.
• Inform others where you are camping and when you'll return.
• Teach kids how to be safe and responsible in the outdoors.

Hiking Safely

• Never allow children to hike alone. Teach children to always hike with an adult.
• Map out your hiking trail ahead of time. Be sure any trail you choose is well marked and do not stray from it.
• Learn to use a compass.
• Make sure children are physically capable of the hike in terms of distance, pace and difficulty.
• Make sure to bring plenty of drinking water or sports drinks.
• Bring high-energy snacks.
• Bring extra layers of clothing and rain gear in case the weather suddenly changes.
• Wear proper hiking boots and clothing that covers as much exposed skin as possible to protect from scrapes, bites and poisonous plants.
• Tell others where you're hiking and when you'll return.
• Keep first aid supplies accessible at all times, even on short hikes.

Water Safety

Children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water. Drowning usually occurs quickly and silently. If your family's camping trip includes a visit to a lake or other open body of water, Kansas SAFE KIDS recommends you:

• Never leave a child unsupervised in and around water.
• Make sure kids wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs) or life jackets when around oceans, rivers, and lakes or during water sports. Air-filled "swimming aids" are not considered safety devices and are not substitutes for PFDs.
• Teach children water safety habits. Children should not run, push others under water, jump on others, dive or jump into shallow water.
• Never let a child go in the water before testing the temperature. If the water is too cold, it may affect the child's breathing or cause cramps.
• Be aware of the nature of the water. An open body of water that looks virtually motionless may have a strong undercurrent.
• Do not allow children to wade into water without protective footwear. Broken glass or other sharp objects may be present.
• Do not let your child dive into water unless an adult is present and knows the water is deeper than 9 feet.
• Adults and kids over age 13 should know infant and child CPR.
• Never allow children to swim during lightning storms or in dangerous weather.
• Make sure children have warm and dry clothes to wear after swimming.

Cooking and Heating

• Always supervise children near a campfire or portable stove. Teach them to stay away from campfires and stoves, even when not in use.
• When making a campfire pit, be sure it is large enough to keep a fire from spreading.
• Always check the fire danger levels posted at the entrances of wilderness parks and camping areas. Do not build a fire if the park recommends against it.
• Keep a bucket of water and shovel near the fire at all times.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach. Never use matches or lighters inside tents.
• Never burn charcoal, or use portable camping heaters, lanterns or stoves inside tents, campers or vehicles.

Preventing Poisonings

• Teach children to stay away from all plants and wild berries unless you are certain they are safe. The safest recommendation is to stay away from plants that are not known to you.
• Teach children to stay clear of poison ivy and poison oak.

Bites and Stings

• Apply insect repellent to a child's clothing and exposed skin. Some repellents are too strong for small children, so consult medical personnel. Always have an adult apply the insect repellent and always follow the product's instructions.
• Avoid using scented products such as perfumes and shampoos that attract insects.
• Be sure to shake out all clothing before wearing it.
• Teach children not to disturb or provoke any animals they may encounter. Although an animal may look friendly, sudden actions could frighten the animal and provoke an attack.
• Never leave a child alone with an animal, even if you believe the animal is harmless.
• Teach children to watch out for snakes and never to touch or disturb them.
• Check clothing and exposed skin for ticks and other insects after spending time outdoors.

Sun Safety

• Apply sun screen (SPF 15 or greater) 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun so it can penetrate. Apply frequently throughout the day, even in cloudy conditions.
• Dress your child in light-colored fabrics that cover exposed skin such as the head, arms and legs.
• Encourage children to drink water frequently to avoid overheating and/or dehydration.
• Be especially careful in high altitudes where the sun's rays are stronger

Read more about summer safety at www.safekids.org.
Kansas SAFE KIDS, Inc. is a nonprofit coalition of 67 statewide organizations and businesses dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries to Kansas children ages 0-14. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Anderson, Clay, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ford, Franklin, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Osage, Pottawatomie, Rice, Saline, and Shawnee Counties, as well as Chanute, Hutchinson, Junction City, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Norton, Pittsburg, and Wichita. Kansas SAFE KIDS is affiliated with the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.