5 Safety Tips to Survive Any Scenario

5 Safety Tips to Surviving Any Scenario

When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than getting outside, breathing in a breath of fresh air, and communing with nature! But don’t forget to keep safety in mind! Whether you’re camping or hiking the great outdoors — or just exploring your own backyard — check out these 5 safety tips to surviving any scenario!

1. NOT ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST, BUT IF YOU ARE LOST, STOP WANDERING.

If you find your surroundings are starting to become unfamiliar, it’s easy to want to retrace your steps, or find the last familiar setting. However, staying put is the most important survival skill to teach your children. The farther they wander from the site where they were last seen, the harder it’s going to be for rescuers to find them. Staying in one place will also conserve energy and reduce their risk of falling or getting injured.

2. KEEP CALM AND CARRY AN EXPLORER’S KIT

Even on a short adventure, it’s always best to bring supplies! Here are some fundamentals to keep any adventure safe and fun. • Water • Sunscreen and bug spray • A whistle • Non-perishable snacks • A flashlight or glow sticks • For basic first aid, include: adhesive bandages, hand sanitizer, antibiotic cream and antiseptic wipes or spray, and any personal medications, inhalers, or

EpiPens • A poncho • A laminated emergency contact card

3. BUILD A SHELTER

This is not only a good survival tip, but a fun one to practice! Children are naturally creative and, with a little guidance, design excellent shelters. Can a jacket or a poncho make a tent? What kind or sticks or foliage are around you? Next time you’re enjoying the outdoors, challenge your junior explorers to see what kind of shelter can be made from their surroundings.

4. ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN, EVEN ON A CLOUDY DAY

Can you get a sunburn on a cloudy day? While clouds do reduce some of the sun’s UV rays, they don’t block all of them. UVA rays can penetrate clouds, and they can also reach below the water’s surface.

UVB rays can also damage your skin year-round, cloudy or not. Reflective surfaces like snow and ice also intensify UVB rays and their effects on the skin so be sure to apply sunscreen anytime you plan on spending time outside.

5. WEAR BRIGHT COLORS

Bright colors will help you stand out from your surroundings, and even more so if your whole party is wearing matching colors. However, be mindful of your surroundings. If you’re spending time in or near water avoid blue, and if you’re spending time in a wooded area, avoid green.