Outdoor Safety Tips To Keep In Mind: A Brief Overview

If you enjoy nature, you are not alone. Loving nature and enjoying the outdoors calms the mind and helps creative thoughts to flow. Since outdoor activities come with great benefits, over half of all Americans engage in some or other activities outside. After the COVID-19 lockdown, outdoor participation soared even more. People started participating in activities like cycling, running, hiking, etc. During this time, most Americans had discovered their lasting love for nature. While getting fresh air is much needed to keep yourself healthy, it is equally important to take precautionary measures to keep yourself and others safe.
But don’t worry. The good thing is that you have this outdoor safety guide. Continue reading for the tips to stay protected outdoors and prevent yourself from severe sunburns, painful bout, or dangerous animals. Without a doubt, this guide will make outdoor a safer choice for you.

COVID-19 and Outdoor Safety

The pandemic is far from over. Hence, it becomes important to stay careful and mindful outside. We have listed some preventive measures to guide you on the right path and make your experience worth remembering. Make sure you follow these rules and stay clear of the deadly COVID-19.
  • Minimize interaction with strangers
  • Keep a good distance from others
  • Be a part of activities that do not require close interaction
  • Go to places with lesser crowd
  • Sanitize the surroundings and your hands
  • Keep your mask on while enjoying outdoor activities
  • Check the COVID guidelines before heading out
  • Be mindful while touching any surface
  • Limit the amount of time spent with people you don't live with

Tips To Safely Enjoy Spending Time Outdoors

In the backcountry, anything may go wrong at any time. And sadly, it is hard to prepare beforehand. But we have some tips to help you. Keep these tips in mind before you head outdoors.
  • Swimming
    1. Learn from professionals before diving into the water all alone.
    2. Don’t run or rush around the pool.
    3. Protect your skin with sunscreen.
    4. Stay within the designated area. Don’t move to the restricted zone.
    5. Avoid alcohol before swimming.
    6. Don’t jump or push anyone into the water.
    7. Keep safety equipment handy with you.
  • Camping
    1. Do deep research before picking the site or shelter
    2. Always carry a first aid kit with you
    3. Stay updated with the weather forecast
    4. Carry plenty of food and water
    5. Learn about campfire safety before you leave
    6. Watch out for wildlife
    7. Stay away from poisonous plants or things that might cause allergy
    8. Remain alert around the campfire
    9. Use flame-retardant camp that won’t catch fire
  • Cycling
    1. Always wear a helmet while on the bike
    2. Check all the equipment or parts before riding
    3. Choose daytime for better visibility
    4. Follow all the signals and traffic rules
    5. Check the weather forecast
    6. Be extremely careful at intersections
    7. Use reflectors on bike or wear reflective material
    8. Limit your distractions and keep your hands on the bike
    9. Ride in a traffic-free area before venturing on a moving road
    10. Carry a water bottle for longer rides
  • Skiing and snowboarding
    1. Wear a helmet that is meant for skiing and snowboarding
    2. Stay away from prohibited areas and avoid close runs
    3. Choose the well-fitted and comfortable gear
    4. Wear the right clothes according to the weather
    5. Learn how to get on and ask for help if needed
    6. Avoid risk-taking behavior
    7. Select the trail that matches your skiing ability
    8. Never stop in the middle of a run. Always move to the side.
Note: These tips will safeguard you while enjoying different activities, but there are still chances of things going awry. Going off course is common when in woods, and hence, it requires being well prepared to deal with any situation. Here are some general tips that won’t let you lose track.
  • Pay careful attention to the surroundings and keep in mind all the landmarks
  • Make use of the map and trust the route
  • Stay calm and try to make communication with your partners
  • Do not walk aimlessly or in dark or prohibited areas

Outdoor Adventure Health Conditions and Ways To Treat Them

If you choose an outdoor activity to enjoy, you must be careful of common maladies. Several illnesses from outdoor activities might hamper your plan and turn your adventure into a nightmare. While the activities seem appealing, they are tough and require a person to be well-prepared. But don’t let toughness stop you from moving outdoors and enjoying fun activities. Here are a couple of common wilderness maladies and ways to deal with them.
  • Blisters: For outdoor adventurers, blisters are one of the common maladies. They might be caused by different reasons like a bug bite, high temperature, continuous rubbing of hands or feet, and more. Regardless of the reason, it becomes important to prevent it.
    • Wear gloves while playing with tools or a ball.
    • Tape your hands if you are a rower.
    • Do not wear thin cotton socks. Instead, wear synthetic or woolen socks.
    • Cover the trouble areas with patches or tape.
    • Clean your feet carefully after coming back from outdoor activity
    • Apply antibiotic ointment on the area with a blister.
  • Bug Bites: When venturing out, finding ants, spiders, flies, bees, and mosquitoes is quite common. The problem begins when they start biting and stinging you. This results in the spreading of disease.
    • Choose a repellent that has DEET in it
    • Put bug biting spray on clothes
    • Apply ointment on your exposed skin and reapply it
    • Put sunscreen and wait for it to get dried
  • Overheating:Exercising or indulging in outdoor activities could overheat the body and might result in muscle cramps, vomiting, heat stroke, nausea, cold and clammy skin, and more. This might not seem serious but can be life-threatening.
    • Drink more water and chilled drinks
    • Wear light color clothes that absorb lesser heat
    • Wear sunscreen and keep sun protection accessories handy
    • Avoid noon time for exercising or outdoor activities

Outdoor Safety Health Checklist

  • Candles and flashlight
  • Extra food and water
  • Compass and map
  • Whistle and radio with batteries
  • Pocket mirror, hat, and sunglasses
  • Complete first aid kit
  • Water purification tablets
  • Pocket knife
  • Trash bag or pouch
  • Keep extra clothes and raincoats

Keep Yourself Safe Outdoors

Now that you have this guide handy, make sure you take the right precautions and enjoy a safer outside world. Before you find yourself yearning for the great outdoors, you must ensure that it won’t be dangerous. Follow the tips above and keep in mind the ways to treat maladies, and this will make your outdoor experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. So, go ahead, take a walk, ride a bicycle, hit a hiking trail, enjoy the water, or elsewhere you’ve been meaning to visit.