Significance

• Each year, hundreds of wildfires are caused by improper camping fire safety. Always build fire in an approved area or fire ring. Properly distinguish fires before leaving the campsite to prevent spreading.
  
  

Location

• Never place a tent or camper in low-lying areas because of flood risks. Always survey the camp area for its safest locations before setting camp. Flash floods can happen within minutes, so it's best to avoid camping too close to any river or stream.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention, the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be worn at all times and reapplied frequently.
  
  

Prevention

• Camping environments usually are the perfect atmosphere for mosquitoes and ticks. An insect repellent should be used that contains the ingredient Deet. Ticks and various other bugs carry diseases that harm humans.
  
  

Warning

• Always drink and cook with water from an approved drinking source. Water from lakes, streams or primitive wells can contain infected water that leads to gastrointestinal illnesses.