AY Honors/Camp Safety/Answer Key

1. Why is it important to find out what the local laws are before starting a camp fire? Where should you get that information?

In many localities, it is illegal to light a camp fire without a permit. Failure to obtain a permit can result in a hefty fine. Permit issuance is generally left to the discretion of the local fire department, and they may decline to issue one based on current conditions (i.e., when they deem the risk of wildfires to be too great). If a person were to light an unpermitted camp fire, and that fire got out of control, the person responsible could be criminally charged and held liable for any resulting damage (which could exceed several million dollars).

2. Identify 3 reasons why a camp fire should never be left unattended.

• It could get out of control and spread.
• It would be a danger to unsupervised children who are (in general) fascinated by fire and may wish to experiment with it.
• It is illegal in many localities.

3. List 10 rules for fire safety to consider when camping

Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Camping/Fire/Fire safety

4. Identify the temperature the following foods should be kept at, and explain why this is important when camping:

(a)Hot foods

Hot foods should be kept warmer than 60°C.

(b)Cold foods

Cold foods should be kept cooler than 4°C.

The temperature range between 4°C and 60°C is the danger zone where bacterial growth is vigorous. Bacteria is what makes food spoil, and eating spoiled food can cause sickness.

5. List 5 things you can do to prevent animals from coming into your campsite.

• Wash all dishes as soon as you are finished eating.
• Store food in animal-proof containers, or hang it beyond their reach.
• Food storage containers should be air-tight to prevent aromas from escaping and attracting animals.
• Do not bring food into your tent.
• Store food trash in air-tight containers as well, and place it in an inaccessible area. Another option is to burn uneaten food.

Note that these steps will still not prevent a persistent animal from investigating. Raccoons which have been acclimated to human activity are brazen enough to enter a well-lit campsite even when humans are less than 10 meters away!