ABCs OF CAMPFIRE SAFETY     BE BEAR AWARE Ask yourself if the fire is really necessary. Build it out of the wind and near water. Clear all overhanging trees, bushes and grasses. Dig a ditch around it to mineral soil or bare rock. Ensure that it is always under control. Feel its entire perimeter with your bare hands before leaving. Green trees are not for burning. Use dead trees for your fire KEEP A CLEAN CAMP!   Elimination of odours is essential. Look for bear tracks and droppings before you make a camp. Do not sleep without a tent. Maintain areas for cooking, food storage and cleaning fish about 200 m (240 yds.) away from  sleeping headquarters. Burn garbage and bury the ashes a distance away from camp. Always store unburned garbage or food in airtight containers. Ensure you pack out all garbage when you leave so you do not endanger future campers. This also helps keep our environment clean.

	Make sure your boat is in excellent condition – top up fluids carefully to ensure you do not spill fuel or oil into the environment and check for leaks before you head out.
	Ensure that everyone is wearing a Canadian approved personal floatation device or life jacket that fits properly.
	Bring along appropriate safety equipment including: buoyant throw lines, a bailing can, an extra paddle, a sound-signaling device, flares or a water-tight flashlight, and a fire extinguisher.
	Do not overload your boat. Ensure you distribute equipment evenly throughout the boat.
	Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected back.
	If the weather is poor, postpone your trip. If you get caught in a storm on your trip, head to shore and take shelter quickly.
	If your vessel capsizes, hold onto the boat and do not worry about your gear.
	For more information on boating safety go to http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca

	Always use extra caution and test the thickness of the ice before you travel on it.
	Right after freeze-up, ice towards the middle of the lake is thinner than that along the shoreline.
	Never assume uniform ice thickness on rivers and lakes.
	Drive carefully and slowly over the ice to reduce water waves under the ice and possible cracking.

TREATING HYPOTHERMIA:
 

	Cover the victim and protect them from the weather.
	It is not enough to cover the victim, a source of heat is needed. Donate your own body heat to gradually rewarm them and raise their body temperature
	Handle the victim gently and keep them as still as possible.
	Wet clothes do not need to be removed if you can provide the victim with good insulation.
	If possible, send someone for medical aid.

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       Site last updated Thursday, March 17, 2005