Camping Tips for the Long Weekend

Planning to brave the elements and camp this long weekend? Remember to keep the following tips in mind so you can relax and enjoy your time away without any additional stress.

Weather can be unpredictable

To avoid discomfort or even harm during quick changes in weather, take the time to strategize and set-up your camping site with a few precautionary measures. Bad weather can arise very unexpectedly, so you will be thankful you took a few extra moments initially to develop a plan.

If a thunderstorm rolls in avoid seeking shelter in a tent with metal poles. The safest place to be is in your car, where you are grounded by the rubber of the car’s tires. If you are not near your car, take cover, but make sure it is not under the tallest tree. Also, remember to bring layers and have a waterproof jacket on hand.

Even if you check the forecast beforehand, it’s a good idea to download a weather app to your phone or a service that sends you relevant text messages on weather reports and warnings in your area. Make sure to check ahead if you will have proper cell coverage at your campsite.

Cellphones – not just for talking

Even though you are likely trying to take a break from technology on your camping trip, remember that your cellphone can be a useful camping tool. With a myriad of apps out there, a cellphone can act as a flashlight, whistle or even a compass. Plus, a cellphone can also double as a GPS and make fun challenges like geocaching possible.

Most importantly, you can also download First Aid apps that provide step by step instructions on how to handle minor injuries and accidents.

Food attracts unwanted attention

Remember to pack food in waterproof packaging and to keep it in an insulated cooler, ideally one that is secure and bear-proof. Unless you want a surprise visitor crashing your camping trip, remember to keep food concealed and as far away from your site as possible.

If you do not have a proper container and there are no lockers available on site, you can create a bear hang by hoisting and securing your food over a tree branch of a suitable height and distance from your site.

Also, be mindful to change your clothes after you have finished cooking and store them a safe distance away from your tent. Be sure to dispose of all leftovers or empty containers in bear-proof trash cans.

Campfire care

Before you start fantasizing about roasting marshmallows or making smores, check to make sure there are no fire bans currently in place for the duration of your trip. Providing that there are none, exercise normal precautionary measures when building your fire. Make sure there is no debris in or within a three-metre diameter around the fire pit.

Keep the fire under supervision at all times – never allow children to be unattended with the campfire. Always have a bucket of water, dirt/sand and a shovel handy so that you are able to quickly extinguish if needed. Be sure to put out the fire before you go to bed for the night or leave the campsite.

Make sure you are covered

One of the most important things to emphasize before taking any camping trip, is to make sure you understand your home insurance policy. Depending on your insurance provider, if you are away for more than 24 hours, you will have to arrange for someone to check on your house in order to keep your insurance policy valid. Although people will usually think about this before going on vacation for extended periods, it is easy to forget that these same practices should be applied in any situation where you are away for over 24 hours. A quick call to your broker should answer what time frame applies to your individual insurance policy.

So you can have peace of mind enjoying this May long weekend, make sure your auto insurance is also up to date and that you are carrying valid proof of insurance. Unfortunately, accidents don’t go on vacation, but you can rest easy knowing you’re properly covered.

If your trailer and contents are of significant value to you, you may also want to consider purchasing a specialized policy for your personal property and the trailer itself. You may do so by adding the trailer to your home insurance policy or by purchasing a separate policy for your vacation trailer. Speak to a BrokerLink broker and let us help find the right coverage at best rates.

BrokerLink wishes you a great long weekend. Have fun no matter what you do and make safety a priority.