Be a happy—and safe—camper
Electrical safety matters outdoors, too
CAMPING GETS US into the great outdoors and lets us leave civilization behind, but many of us still want or need electricity at our campsites. And for off-grid camping, generators and solar panels are becoming more portable.
Before you leave, make sure you include a general ABC fire extinguisher with your gear. Make sure the extension cord you run from the hookup to your tent is heavy enough to handle the load you intend to plug into it. It should have three prongs and a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter, too.
At your campsite, inspect the electrical hookup for any damage. For tent camping, a 30-amp hookup is probably the most you’ll need, and it should have a GFCI installed. Make sure the extension cord to your tent doesn’t create a trip hazard, and keep it away from the campfire, the drive lane and water.
Recreational vehicle hookups may have a 50-amp outlet designed for larger RVs. If you need an extension cord, make sure it is rated the same or higher than the supply cord plugged into the hookup. Using an insufficient size can underpower devices or overheat wires. Always use a quality RV surge protector between the hookup and your RV.
Carbon monoxide dangers
Portable generators make off-grid camping easier, but be sure to choose one with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff systems. Keep the generator outside and as far away from doors and openings as possible, positioned so fumes are pointed away and downwind from your RV, tent and people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year around 400 to 500 people die in tents and campers from carbon monoxide poisoning. Culprits are generally heaters that malfunction in RVs or fossil-fueled electrical generators. Make sure your RV is equipped with fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Be weather aware
Avoid setting up camp if strong storms are predicted in the area. In case of lightning, take shelter in your vehicle or an enclosed structure; don’t shelter under trees.
High winds can also bring down limbs or dead trees. Before pitching your tent or parking your RV, look up and around and avoid camping near dead trees or under limbs dangling above.
Learn ahead of time if a campground has a storm shelter and how to get to it from your campsite. If there is none, seek shelter in a tornado warning under sturdy permanent structures, such as overhanging rock formations, culverts and bridges. If the storm is right on you, find a ditch or low area, crouch with your knees and forehead to the ground and cover the back of your head and neck with your hands clasped.
JEREMY SWIFT is a safety and loss prevention instructor at Kentucky Electric Cooperatives.
