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Securing Your Campsite
Surrounded by forests and wildlife, the last thing on your mind is being robbed while camping. Unfortunately, it happens.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your property.
1. Be friendly. Introduce yourself to neighbouring campers. They will be far more likely to keep an eye on your stuff if you’ve made a connection.
2. Lock up all valuables in the trunk of your vehicle, or take them with you. Thieves are always shopping for laptops, cameras, and GPS systems. Just like in the city, anything in full view is an invitation to break in.
3. Leave at home any items you would be devastated to lose. You don’t need heirloom jewellery on a camping trip.
4. Engrave your driver’s license on your electronics, mountain bike and other valuables.
5. Lock up your food or store it at least 10 feet (three metres) above ground. Wild critters have been known to steal coolers.
6. Arm and lock your car or RV whenever you leave your campsite, and at night.
And don’t forget to secure your home while you’re gone. The Coquitlam RCMP offer these residential security tips.
Bonus link: Camping & RV BC’s comprehensive guidelines for Campfires in B.C.
Do It Yourself
Summer is the perfect time to tinker, craft and create. Whether you want to build a robot, spin yarn or clone your grandmother’s bracelet, there are tools for that. And fellow enthusiasts to cheer you on.
Check out the exhibitors list from the recent Vancouver Mini Makers Faire, to connect with local DIY organizations, such as:
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The Emperor’s Cabinet by Colin Johnson at the Vancouver Mini Makers Faire
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Fun on the Beach
Heading to the beach? Whether you’re at English Bay or Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas, watch for:
- Sunburn. Slather on sunscreen (at least SPF 15 and 15 minutes before going outside), slap on a hat and slip on a shirt.
- Dehydration. Drink water, water, water. And limit the coffee and cocktails.
- Surf. The ocean is far more turbulent than your local pool. Only go in if you’re a confident swimmer. Watch children closely and keep an eye on the tide.
- Rip currents. Especially around piers and jetties, you’ll find strong currents that can drag you out to sea. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current.
- Jellyfish and other exotic creatures. Check in at the lifeguard station to find out what might sting you in the water. They will also have first aid supplies in case you experience painful stings, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath or other symptoms.
- Glass. Where there is a beach, there are broken beer bottles and other harmful trash.
Source: Farmer’s Almanac Healthy Living, 5 Must-Read Beach Safety Tips
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What's On In
Greater Vancouver?
Canada Day Celebrations
see Canada Day web site for venues
July 1
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Jericho Beach Park
July 19 to 21
The Waterboys headline the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Abbotsford International Air Show
Abbotsford International Airport
August 9 to 11
The Fair at PNE
Hastings Park
August 17 to September 2
Bend It Without Breaking
PREVENTING SOCCER INJURIES
Did you know about 160 soccer injuries (likely many more) require hospitalization in B.C.every year?
- Children should not “head the ball” till at least age 9.
- Warm up and cool down for practices and games.
- Learn and follow correct techniques, e.g. for heading the ball.
- Wear proper cleats and shin guards.
- Consider using protective gear, such as mouth guards, head gear and pads.
Source: B.C. Injury and Prevention Research Unit, Preventing Soccer Injuries
Quick Safety Tip
IGNORE FAKE INVOICES
Always check for a valid purchase order before paying for an invoice. Scammers often send invoices for goods and services you haven’t ordered or received.
See also the Better Business Bureau’s Top Ten Scams of 2013
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