Having an appropriate supply of camping lighting is vitally important when camping. However, along with the use of camping lights there comes an element of camping safety which should be considered, remembering that many sources of camping lights will burn hot. Most times camping lighting is necessary in that the light makes for a functional campsite, and also low level lighting can make a campsite safer to move around at night.
Camping Safety Awareness
- There will always be dark spots in a camp. Keep a torch or head strapped light to avoid stumbling in the dark.
- Some campers insist on having a dark camp, but if you are in a busy campsite you should be considerate others who may stumble through your camp to find their own.
- Conversely, be considerate to others when using noisy generators to brightly light large areas. Camping should be a relaxing and peaceful experience.
- Paths can be lit up using simple solar-powered garden lights. They can offer a nice low light for a reasonable length of time.
- Propane lamps burn very hot and the glass used in them can break easily. The best camping safety practice is to use them for short amounts of time, while monitored or properly secured.
- Open flames, candles and tiki torches need to be used with extreme caution. Unsupervised they can become very easily become a fire hazard.
- Avoid using you vehicle’s headlights as a camping lighting source. Having a dead car battery at a remote campsite can be disastrous.
- Halogen light bulbs burn very hot. They can be a hazard if not properly secured, particularly in windy conditions.
- Inside lighting needs to be safe and cool. Consider the flammable fabric and the restricted space of a tent or camper.
- Tripping hazards are always a camping safety issue. Adequate lighting is essential as is the placement of various camping lighting equipment and their cords and fixtures.
As always, planning and awareness are the keys to camping safety when using lights. Remember a safe camp is a happy camp!
