RV campgrounds are some of the safest places in the world, but that doesn’t mean campers can completely throw all caution to the wind.
On the contrary, there are some easy but important things to keep in mind in order to have a completely safe and fun RV campground experience.
Here are 9 tips to stay safe on the campground this camping season.
STOCK UP YOUR FIRST AID KIT
Make sure your first aid kit is well stocked with supplies, including materials for cleaning and bandaging wounds, hydrocortisone, and antihistamines for allergic reactions. If you don’t have a first aid kit, you can buy a pre-made kit at many stores or make your own by choosing your own supplies.
DRIVE SAFELY WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING
Drive slowly around the campground. If possible, have an assistant stand outside the RV and guide you into your site. When you’re leaving, let your neighbors know ahead of time so they can advise their children to be aware.
PRACTICE ELECTRICAL SAFETY
When plugging into the campground’s electrical outlet at your site, be sure to use a four-wire, heavy-duty chord with a grounding wire, rather than an extension cord. Plug it in before turning on any appliances.
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
When you get your RV set up at the campground, make a point to meet your neighbors as soon as possible. You should know who is camping on all sides of your site. This can help you gauge whether you can trust them to keep an eye on your things while you’re away from the campground, and let you know whether strangers come on to your site while you’re gone. It also helps you recognize when strangers are visiting their campsites too.
KEEP KIDS SAFE
If you have children younger than age three, assign an adult to do nothing but watch them while another adult sets up the RV and campsite. We know they are into everything at that age!
Make sure kids who will be riding bicycles around the campground stop and look both ways multiple times at intersections. Warn them against assuming that motorists in the campground will automatically see them and drive responsibly.
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR PETS
Keep your pets leashed when they’re outside of the RV, to minimize the chances that they’ll run off, scare other campers, or have unwanted encounters with wild animals.
PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY
Start fires in metal-lined pits, if available, at least 15 feet from flammable objects. Be careful not to let overhanging tree limbs or tents touch the flames. Never leave your fire unattended or go to sleep with it burning. Pour water on embers at the end of the night before you head to bed.
STORE YOUR VALUABLES
Keep valuables locked up inside the RV, and never place them in outside compartments. Many such compartments can be unlocked with a universal key. Keep shades drawn, especially at night when it’s easier to see in than out of the RV.
MAKE EMERGENCY PLANS
Have emergency plans in place, in the event of fires, weather disasters or if someone becomes separated from your group, and make sure everyone knows them. Make sure kids know the layout of the campground as soon as you arrive, and that they know how to get back to your site.
It’s also important to know the weather forecast and monitor weather conditions at all times.
If you’re looking for a new RV for this season, RV Dynasty can help you! Shop more than 400 floor plans of new RVs and a wide variety of used RVs at RVDynasty.com or call 765-689-8815.
