FIREPIT SAFETY The care and safe use of the firepits used at the Raider Nationals is essential for your safety, and the safety of others. Raider competitors have a great time experiencing the crackling of a campfire late in the evening. Camping is a huge positive experience for those attending the Raider Nationals and the cadets frankly have a great time sitting around the campfire eating and talking! The Lawhorn Scouting Base will make the call roughly one week prior on any fire restrictions that may be put in place due to dry conditions, etc.. With today's modern fabrics to keep one warm at night, camp firepits are NOT designed to keep anyone warm at night - your school should ensure they bring bedding, blankets, sleeping bags and other items to provide adequate warmth and NOT depend on any sort of fire to do this essential task. For those schools deciding to use the firepit, there are essentially three things dependent on safe care for any outdoor fire; 1)a safe place, 2)a safe size and 3)proper extinguishing of the fire after use. Additionally, once the fire is built, it is against the law in Georgia to leave it unattended for any reason and for any amount of time! First, fires may ONLY be built in the designated campsite firepits. Ensure your firepit is clear of overhanging trees, shrubbery or structures. The fire pit should be a safe distance from any tents or other materials that could ignite easily. Clear all ground debris down to the dirt in a ten to twelve foot circle where the fire is going to be built. FUNDRAISING MADE EASY! Earn the funds to attend the Nationals! for your program! The size of the campfire is very important. DO NOT build a blazing bon-fires - the camp firepit areas are not designed for this. Small fires are safer and use fewer resources. Besides that, a small fire encourages the camaraderie and closeness around the fire after dark. Large fires are dangerous and can easily get out of control. Build the fire for what you need. If a cooking fire is being built, don't burn your trash on the fire before cooking. This prevents your food from tasting like the garbage that you burned. Ensure a smaller fire is used if it is windy. An adult instructor MUST be on-hand to supervide the firepit AT ALL TIMES when camp fires are burning or being ignited. Also ensure everyone looks out for any small children that may be attending with your group as they can easily get too close to a fire without even knowing it. Make sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire - STOP, DROP and ROLL. Keep a fire extinguisher, shovel, and a large container of water available (close to the fire) at all times. Store extra firewood at least 6 feet away from the burning fire. Never freshen a dying fire with a liquid starter. Explosions can result. After use, the fire must be properly extinguished. The proper way to extinguish a fire is by using plenty of water and a shovel or stick to turn the coals and dirt. Sprinkling water is more effective than pouring because of the cooling effect and coverage given by the sprinkled water. Rake and turn the coals into the surrounding soil and feel for heat with your hands. When it is cool, you are done! Constant vigilance is the key to enjoying a fire while in the outdoors. If you let the flames roar high, those roaring flames create a real danger. When it is time to crawl into that sleeping bag, or head off to your camper, be sure the coals are out cold. Building fires too high and improperly extinguishing campfires are two of the leading causes of forest fires in our wilderness today. Take care of it, and your campfire will provide comfort, security and lift friendships to new levels. LANTERN SAFETY Use these tips to ensure safe use of a lantern: Handle flammable liquids with care. Store flammable liquids in metal containers, preferably safety cans. Store all flammable liquids a safe distance from your tent or any source of heat. Don't use flammable liquids to start a fire. Fill lanterns a safe distance from campfires and other sources of heat. Use a funnel when pouring flammable liquids Carry only a minimal amount of flammable liquids, and make sure all caps are tight. Handle tanks of compressed flammable gas with caution. Use only the recommended fuel for lanterns, stoves, etc. Avoid using fuel lanterns and stoves inside your tent. TENT SAFETY Use these tips to ensure safe use of your tent: Pitch any tent at least 15 feet from your campfire, away from the wind direction. Take along a battery powered smoke detector to keep inside each tent. Have an escape plan, and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if a fire occurs. Use only battery-operated lights in or near tents and campers. Never use candles, matches, or fuel lanterns in or near a tent; use a flashlight. Use Extra care when using electricity and lighting in a tent. When using heaters, keep them away from walls, pillows, camping chairs, etc. Do not attempt to use a fire inside your tent for warmth.

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