Cooking
safely during a
camping trip means either using proper grilling equipment or taking
appropriate measures while working with a fire pit. Recreational campsites may
have grills and cooking rings installed, which will eliminate much of the risk
from preparing food over an open fire. However, if you're planning to build a
fire pit from scratch, you should keep the following in mind. First, ensure you
are cooking a safe distance from grass, branches, wood, litter, personal
belongings, etc. Typically, you want a 5-foot radius between the fire and
anything flammable. Also ensure you have a number for the nearest fire
department, just in case you need a firefighting vehicle to
extinguish uncontrollable fires.
Flames can be volatile and can easily grow out of control. The most effective way to protect yourself and those around you is by remaining attentive while the fire is active. The process of dowsing the flames should be performed carefully and thoroughly. Be sure to shift rocks and kindling around, using a branch or equivalent tool. That way, you don't have any hidden embers, and a splash of water or sand should be employed as a final measure to keep the fire from returning. Grills are usually a safer alternative, but with proper maintenance, using a cooking pit can be an enjoyable part of your camping experience.
The wrong choice in lighting can present an even greater threat than cooking over flames, since your lamp will burn for longer periods of time. The dangers of traditional gas lanterns can be easily eliminated by upgrading to a battery powered model. This newer lighting style uses an LED light rather than kerosene or propane, which can easily turn disastrous if the lantern is dropped or overturned. Although gas lanterns are bright, LED lamps are long-lasting and easier to carry, overall, a much safer choice for campers.
Flames can be volatile and can easily grow out of control. The most effective way to protect yourself and those around you is by remaining attentive while the fire is active. The process of dowsing the flames should be performed carefully and thoroughly. Be sure to shift rocks and kindling around, using a branch or equivalent tool. That way, you don't have any hidden embers, and a splash of water or sand should be employed as a final measure to keep the fire from returning. Grills are usually a safer alternative, but with proper maintenance, using a cooking pit can be an enjoyable part of your camping experience.
The wrong choice in lighting can present an even greater threat than cooking over flames, since your lamp will burn for longer periods of time. The dangers of traditional gas lanterns can be easily eliminated by upgrading to a battery powered model. This newer lighting style uses an LED light rather than kerosene or propane, which can easily turn disastrous if the lantern is dropped or overturned. Although gas lanterns are bright, LED lamps are long-lasting and easier to carry, overall, a much safer choice for campers.
