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In order to be sure that your camping or hiking trip is fun and safe, take the necessary time to plan ahead and be prepared. As with any activity, injuries and accidents can take place. With the right knowledge, you can deal with emergencies in the wilderness while enjoying all the glorious experiences of nature. Emergency Preparedness Kits are key to any outdoor activity in the wilderness.  Plan in advance; Be ready. Remember: Safety first and foremost, and then go enjoy!

Here are some things that you must have with you for any of your camping trips.

Don’t forget your compass!
A compass and map can help you keep your bearings in the wilderness.

Map
A topographic map must always bewith you if you are doing anything but the local, well-signed hike that you are very familiar with. You can buy these at your local outdoor store or oftentimes can bedownloaded on the web.

Signaling Devices
In case you get lost, a mirror, LED light and whistle can help people find you and your companions. The sound of a whistle travels much farther than your voice. It’s an excellent idea to attach a lanyard to your whistle, and then tie it to another portion of a shoulder strap on your pack. If you fall, the whistle will be simple to access.

Emergency Shelter
In case you lose your way and need to hunker down in the woods or you have an injured person who is with you and have to leave them to go get assistance, you need a way to remain safe and sheltered. A Mylar blanket or two large plastic garbage bags can also serve this intent.

Nylon Cord
This can be used for making extra shoe and boot laces, lowering a pack or making a shelter.

Fire Starter
In the event you need to start a fire for warmth, you should have some means to get a fire started. You can purchase fire starter or make cheap, working fire starters from cotton balls soaked in Vaseline. Store these in a pill vial. All you need to do is light the wad, and you have a long burning flame.

Matches
These need to be the waterproof variety, stored in a waterproof container. Take a lot and keep them dry. Take a lighter, but don’t rely solely on mechanical lighters as they can fail.

Knives or multi-tools
Knives or multi-tools are perfect for first aid, repairing your equipment, preparing food, and preparing kindling.

Additional Clothing
Sometimes the weather can turn and you’ll want to have extra layering just in case. And in the case of medical emergencies you will want to take all precautions to ensure the person who is hurt remains warm. A rain shell, spare hat, dry socks, gloves and fleece jacket should also be included in your pack.

Extra food and water
Pack additional food and H2) in case of emergency. If you become lost or delayed, you’ll be relieved that you did. It’s as simple as several extra energy bars or bags of nuts. How much water should one pack? About two liters per person/per day, depending on how long the hike is and the weather. To be most suitably prepared, take 3 liters. It’s a great idea to take along tablets to purify water in case you need water.

Flashlight
Keep any emergency lighting in your backpack. In case you under calculate the time and end up hiking in diming light, Not a bad idea to keep some fresh batteries in your pack too. You might prefer using a headlamp. These allow you to keep your hands free.

Sunglasses
Wear glasses when spending large amounts of time outdoors to reduce your exposure to UV light. Wraparound lenses keep light from getting in the corners of your eyes. Mountaineers must wear glacier glasses to prevent snow blindness and burning of the eyes.

Sunscreen
A million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year and there is an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Even on an overcast or seemingly non-sunny day, sunscreen use is still required. Most of the UV radiation (60-80 percent) will not be filtered by the clouds and be allowed to pass through. 

First Aid Kits
A first aid kit should be part of your emergency supplies and always easy to get to. You can buy pre-made kits or create your own. Just make sure to include moleskin, adhesive material bandages, over the counter pain medicines, paper, writing instruments, first-aid tape, a roll of gauze, an Ace Bandage, 4X4 pads, and sanitary napkins to use as a dressing for wounds. An antihistamine, such as Benadryl, can help treat reactions to allergies or bug bites and stings. A bandana and large safety pins can be used to make slings.

If you plan to travel on snow, wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed cap and sunglasses.