Avoid This Dangerous Camping Hazard By Simply Looking Up Before Setting Up

Rarely is any camping trip completely hazard-free. Whether your food gets sacked by a bear, you get lost on the trail, or you catch a stomach bug, some things are just unpredictable. However, there are several safety precautions you can take to make sure your camp stays protected, and it all starts with where you set up your camp. One such example is this: If you are camping in a wooded area, you will want to inspect the nearby trees to make sure none are prone to falling in the middle of the night. Ignoring this fundamental camping consideration is unsafe and can lead to you and your tent getting unexpectedly crushed if you don't take the time to check your surroundings.

@wildboyril

A Safety tips that might save your life while camping #camping #outdoors #safetytips #survivaltok #wintercamping

♬ original sound – WB Outdoors

TikToker wildboyril shared this video with the number one rule to follow when setting up camp: look up before you set up. In the video, he shows how he spotted some hazardous trees that could have potentially fallen on his campsite. He points out a tree in the distance that is leaning at almost a 45-degree angle. In another clip, the creator shows a dangling tree branch that seems like it is one big gust of wind away from hitting the ground. These are some key indicators that you should find a new place to park your tent. It's a good thing this creator checked his surroundings, because waking up to a tree on your tent can quickly ruin any camping getaway.

While leaning and dangling trees are relatively easy to spot, there are some indicators that trees or branches may soon fall that are not as obvious. While looking up is crucial, it's also important to take a look down at the base of the trees. Check the bottom of the tree to see if there has been any artificial damage to the trunk. Maybe a beaver is almost done chewing through the base, or a bear used it as a scratching post. Either way, you don't want to be underneath it when the tree finally gives way. Likewise, if there is a sawdust-like substance at the bottom of a tree, this could mean wood beetles are eating this tree for their next meal. Additionally, check to see if there are any mushrooms, fungi, or rot at the bottom of the tree. These clues could indicate that the tree is starting to deteriorate on the inside.

Some additional things to check for while looking for a campsite would be the presence of dead trees or branches, either on trees or on the ground. While a tree can be strong and healthy, some of the branches may be dead and ready to fall. Cracks are also an indicator that the tree you are camping under is fragile. Be sure to check any branches overhead to make sure they are still thriving and solidly attached to the tree trunk, so you can sleep comfortably while camping, knowing you're safe from any falling hazards.