Safety Does Not Happen by Accident

Traveling is a fun experience for the entire family. Going on a road trip in your RV allows you to leave your worries behind and travel to uncharted places. As you are bringing a home on wheels along, you are assured of a clean and safe place to stay every night. While your RV is a safe place to rest your head, there are other safety considerations, which must be considered to truly have a safe trip.

1. Children ' Children are helpless little creatures, which need our constant attention and monitoring. Whether your children are in diapers or teens, they require the same amount of vigilance while on the road. It is important that you explain to your children that traveling on the road means that they will encounter many friendly people who are strangers, no matter how nice they are. While you do not want to unnecessarily frighten them, children need to know to use caution when encountering any stranger. While at the campsite, explain to your children that despite the close proximity of the campsites, and the friendly banter that is exchanged, these people are nonetheless strangers. Instruct them to stay within your sight, give them whistles to wear around their neck to alert you of an emergency situation, have them wear ID bracelets and finally, bring pictures of them in case they get lost.

2. At the campsite- upon arrival, survey the campsite layout with your family. Thoroughly look for safety hazards, broken glass or other hidden dangers. Check the area around the campsite for drainage ditches, ravines, and steep inclines or drop offs. Notify the campground office of any serious safety hazards.

3. Hiking or other activities away from the campsite ' Before you embark on a long hike, there are a few things to consider. Make sure that you know how to read a compass, basic first aid, how to erect a temporary shelter or survive if you are stranded. Practice your skills prior to leaving on your hike. Be sure that you are in good physical condition for the activity, and take weather into consideration. Always use the buddy system and hike with at least one person. Let someone at camp know when to expect you back in case you become disoriented and cannot find your way back. If you'll be hiking in a very remote area or under extreme conditions you may want to bring at least 4 people. If one person is hurt, then another can remain with the injured person until help arrives. No matter how short you expect your hike to be, always take water, snacks, and a flashlight.

4. Firearms ' Many campgrounds do not allow firearms. If you are staying at a site that does, keep in mind that not everyone is fond of guns, or they do not know how to safely handle them. If you travel with firearms, keep them under lock and key. If you allow visitors into your RV, it is your responsibility to let them know that you do have a firearm and that it is locked away safely. Drinking and firearms do not mix. Finally, if you take your firearms out of your RV, they should be unloaded and within your control at all times.

5. Financial and Personal Data ' We are all too aware of identity theft and the havoc it wreaks on your life. People who steal identifies are opportunists. They are always on the look out for someone who does not protect their personal or financial information. To safeguard yourself, it is imperative that you keep all identifying information in a safe place. Do not discard receipts in a community trashcan. Jot down the names and phone numbers of your credit card companies and have them handy in case you loose your credit cards.

6. Medical Conditions and First Aid ' Get clearance from your doctor to embark on the trip if you have a medical condition. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to become certified on CPR and basic first aid. Be sure that your first aid kit is well stocked prior to your trip. Bring an ample supply of your medications, not just a few days worth. Have your doctor's contact information handy.

7. Campfires - Fire is a chief concern at campsites. Use the fire pits provided to start your campfire. Be sure that an adult monitors the campfire at all times. Keep water and a shovel by the campfire at all times for emergencies. When you put the fire out use both water and soil to ensure that it is completely out.

8. Animals ' Become familiar with the native bugs in the area prior to embarking on your trip. Be on the lookout for snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlers. Pay attention to where you are walking, and be cautious when picking up sticks or rocks. In some areas, four legged animals are a significant threat. Ask the campground office if there have been any recent bear or wildcat sightings. If the campground is known to have bears, keep your food stored away or hang it from a tree. Do not try to feed or approach any wild animal.

9. Anticipate Emergencies- What should you do if you get lost, injured, encounter bad weather or break down on the road? These situations should be thought of in advance. If you have children, it is especially important that you review some basic plans to follow if an emergency occurs. Leave your itinerary with a family member back home. Include the route you will be taking, campgrounds you are staying at and make, model and license plate of your RV.

10. Travel Clubs and Associations ' Travel clubs are a great resource to obtain information, services, and reviews of campgrounds. Literally hundreds of travel clubs exist that cater to individual interests and groups including: singles, retirees, hunters, families, off road enthusiasts, etc. As they are a community that consists of people sharing your interests, you will find a wealth of information on their websites. Typically, the members will share their experiences, both good and bad. The following are some of the groups that exist: AAA, Coast to Coast, Escapees RV Club, The Family Motor Coach Association, Good Sam Club, Loners of America, The National Recreational Vehicle Owners Club, Recreation USA Inc.

The preceding list is not exclusive of the safety measures that should be taken while on the road, but it is a good start. When in doubt, use common sense. If you are uncertain of a situation, proceed with caution. Safety is a simple concept to understand, but takes a bit of effort to practice. Happy camping!