OAUSA Net - July7, 2022 - Outdoor Safety

[DaveK]

Outdoor Safety


This topic is broad and covers a great many sub-topics. We expect this net will require more than one session, so it will be carried over to 7/14/22. Below we are listing discussion points that we hope will prompt participation from all our listeners.


IN no particular order, here they are:

Fire arm safety
knife and ax safety
Foot care
Camp hygiene and sanitation
Travel safety
Food safety
Fire safety
Kitchen safety
Vehicle safety
Ham radio safety
Medical safety
Campsite location safety
Redundancy
Clothing safety
Ice chest sanitation
meal prep safety
Generator safety

[toms]

Selecting a camp site for safety

Camp site.jpg (37.22 KiB) Viewed 662 times

Take time to locate the best position for your tent. Don't arrive after dark as that makes it more difficult to check out the environment.

Avoid setting up camp next to hazards like dead (or dying) trees, power lines, critter holes, loose rock and those areas prone to flash flooding.

If the entire area is a flood plane, pick a spot that has good drainage. You don't want water pooling around your tent.

Speaking of water, camping ethics recommend that you not set up camp within 200 yards of streams or ponds. This is so you don't disturb wild game that uses those sources of water ( and they don't disturb you!)

Also, avoid setting up next to plants and bushes that could cause a problem. Some of these include poison ivy (and related plants) and cacti. While more of a nuisance, these plants can still ruin a day or weekend.


Logistics:

Assuming the area is free of obvious hazards, here are some additional suggestions to consider.

Inspect the ground for pebbles, sticks and other sharp objects. You may need to rake or otherwise clear a patch of ground for your tent. If you're camping on an incline, position your tent so your head will be uphill. That is generally the most comfortable position.

Rarely do you find flat, smooth ground outside established parks and campgrounds. You get to your camping area and find one section that's bumpy or grooved. Another spot is smooth but at an angle. Which do you choose?

Most people select the bumpy ground because they prefer being on the level. They know their air mattress or other padding will provide a comfortable sleep. Assuming drainage isn't a factor, this type of decision is more based upon personal preference. Give it some thought when you face this scenario for the first time.

If you're camping near the bottom of a large hill, walk around to get a feel for the run-off pattern(s). Even light rains can generate small streams for a brief time.

Setting up camp next to a large boulder may seem like a good idea – it creates a natural wind break “ but inspect the area above the boulder. Do you see loose rocks? Those could come tumbling down on your head during a storm. Wind whipping around the boulder sometimes causes howling or whistling noises. If you're a light sleeper, you may consider placing your tent somewhere else.

Trees and shrubs provide some protection from the elements, including a beating sun. Inspect for dead limbs, beehives and critter nests or dens.

Position your tent with the prevailing winds in mind. For rectangular tents, position the narrow side to the wind. If yours is tapered, the tapered side should face the wind. You're trying to minimize the wind load and therefore overall effect of any winds. Some people prefer to have the door face a non-windy direction.

As for the front door, I like to have it facing the east. I get to view a nice sunrise to start the day, and it seems to warm the tent faster.

After you've experienced it, I'm sure you'll agree that camping out is really quite enjoyable. A few days away with Mother Nature does wonders for the soul and body. When and where are you going to set up camp?

Summary of Safety Item
• Avoid tree dead falls
• Camp away from rock face to avoid falling rocks
• Avoid poison oak
• Don’t camp in washes or in natural drainage
• Avoid Ant beds
• Upwind from the camp fire & far enough away to avoid sparks
• Ground is clear of rocks, glass, sharp rocks

[toms]

Tent Safety

Pines - Coyote Flats 4.jpg (231.1 KiB) Viewed 660 times

• Use a tent heater only when awake
• Stake it down and use guy wires if high winds are expected
• Make sure the ground tarp does not stick out to collect water in a rain storm
• Drive stakes you might trip over all the way into the ground.
• Use reflective guy wires to avoid trips at night or buy a tent that is free standing.
• No open flame inside
• Use a 4-season tent for cold and snowy camping
• Zip up screens to keep bugs out

Tent heater: That blast of warm air heats up a tent in a hurry but those heaters come with risk. The biggest concern is CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning. Some units are susceptible to tipping over, though all incorporate one or more safety features.

Because the heater works so well, you need only about 10 - 15 minutes of burn when you turn in and before you get up. I like to let it blast into my sleeping bag just before I crawl in. Then I snuggle into a warm and cozy environment. Run it again a short while early the next morning to warm up the tent.

Several brands and models of tent heaters are available. I like the Little Buddy heater. It operates with the 1 lb. propane cylinder, and features a wide base and automatic tip-over shut off. The website claims it puts out 3,800 Btu per hour and heats up to 95 square feet - just right for the average tent. However, it does not work over 7,000 feet due to the technique used for safety on low oxygen level.

[Jeff-OAUSA]

You've worked hard to pack up and travel to camp.

You've worked hard to set up camp and the camp kitchen.

The appetizers have been prepared and the group is starting to assemble for Happy Hour.

You bring out the perfect bottle of wine and then realize you forgot your corkscrew! Someone loans you their corkscrew and the screw barely reaches halfway into the cork, and upon pulling, the cork comes apart leaving the bottle still plugged. This is not a great way to start the relaxation part of your camping trip.

Victorinox has been making the iconic Swiss Army Knives for 125 years. For many years, a corkscrew has been an option on some Swiss Army Knives. The problem with the standard Swiss Army Knife corkscrews was they were too short to fully engage a cork, and the body to the knife allowed little purchase for pulling the cork.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - Huntsman (Note just 3 flights on the corkscrew)


Enter the Victorinox Wine Master and Cork Pulling Problems are Solved!

Victorinox Wine Master (Note 5 coils on the corkscrew, 66% more length and purchase compared to the Huntsman's corkscrew)


The Victorinox Wine Master is a purpose-built tool focused first on removing corks from bottles of wine, and then on supplemental capabilities of slicing foods like cheese.

"Pocket Knife for Wine Connoisseurs"
"Fine wine deserves a tool that was created with perfection. Meet our Wine Master – the trusted companion for professional sommeliers and amateur gourmets alike. Its viticultural credentials are world-class and do your fine wine the honor it deserves. An extra-long corkscrew with five coils prevents cork breakage, plus a unique combination tool houses a two-step lever for uncorking and a bottle opener. The integrated pocket knife has a wavy-edged beak blade foil cutter and a large locking blade, ideal for cheese or your favorite culinary tidbits. Smart and seriously wine-savvy."
https://www.victorinox.com/us/en/Produc ... /0.9701.63

Victorinox Wine Master Features
Tools
+ Corkscrew
+ Foil cutter
+ Two step lever
+ Bottle opener
+ Blade, large (locks open)
+ Key ring

Dimensions
+ Height 0.7 in
+ Length 5.1 in
+ Width 1.4 in
+ Weight 4.1 oz

Usage notes. The Wine Master is a joy to use. The screw is extra-long and gets deep into the cork. The two step lever system and handle allow corks to be easily removed. The foil cutter is serrated and sharp, and cuts easily into neck foils.

I always get a chuckle when a knife comes with instructions with warnings like, "Sharp Knife, Use with Caution", only to receive a knife that is dull at best. The seller of the Wine Master cautioned that this knife will arrive sharp and that he would personally hone the knife before shipping. On the Wine Master's arrival, I found the blade to be exceptionally sharp to what I would call "wicked keen".

The Wine Master is a keeper for me and I look forward to using it for many, many years to come.

[AK6DH]

Please check in David - AK6DH.

[JackM-KK6WXQ]

Good day all!

Please check us in.

Jack- KK6WXQ
John- KM6FXI
Kevin- KK6DGL

Kevin is remote but should be there.

Than you!

[KK6DYO]

Please check me in. Maybe a few more days recovering from COVID.

[KM6OJB]

Please check me in KM6OJB
Thanks
Joe

[K9Nigel]

check in - KC6JGZ Russ

[K9Nigel]

check in - KC6JGZ Russ