Camping season has finally begun, and the best way to enjoy the great outdoors is to not get eaten by bears…
Here are some important tips to help you have a healthy, uninterrupted, camping vacation:
1. When packing your cooler for the trip, ensure that raw meat is kept separate from other food and drinks to avoid contamination. To discourage the growth of harmful bacteria, open the meat cooler only when necessary. Also, throw out food that has been in the sun or a warm car for too long; preferably not in the general direction of bears.
2. Following the three Cs - Chill it. Cook it. Clean it. – will help keep food safe during camping trips. Chill perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and seafood. Fill your cooler with a lot of ice or commercial freezing gel to maintain the temperature below 4°C. Cook meats, poultry and seafood thoroughly before eating. Clean all surfaces that the food will touch, including grizzly mouths. Also wash your hands before handling food and after handling raw meat, or irate bears.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. Or beer… it’s all fluid, right? Ensure the campgrounds have potable water. Potable water is fine to drink, wash with, and brush your teeth with (Remember to brush your teeth as you would at home, and say your prayers… bears are religious).
4. Don't forget to pack soap along with the rest of your camping gear. Remind your kids to wash their hands with soap and water. Bears don’t like the taste of soap.
5. Make sure you and the children wear sunscreen, and re-apply after being in the water. Bears cannot see you when you are covered in sunscreen.
6. Another essential piece of camping gear is the first aid kit. Keep one in your car, and bring one with you for hiking, boating, or going to the beach. The kit will help you deal with minor injuries, but sadly not bear bites; for that you need to call on your friendly neighbourhood EMS team.
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