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But there’s one feature that’s missing from that list and it’s just as fundamental to campers’ comfort—peace of mind.
Campgrounds are vastly different from other accommodation businesses, which have a high volume of people in a concentrated indoor area. So, expectations from campers differ from those staying at hotels, for instance. However, there still is an unspoken assumption that there is a strategy in place in case of natural disasters, fires, and other crises. Afterall, states require parks to have an emergency plan in place. But campers often don’t think about it and probably don’t ask what that plan is.
The truth is though—campers would appreciate the information if it was offered to them. That’s why it’s a great idea to offer at least a plan overview to campers upon arrival—or include it in a campsite confirmation email. It will give them peace of mind, and during an emergency, may be advantageous for your campground staff.
Here are a few of the most important features to cover.
You don’t want to alarm campers when offering the emergency preparedness highlights, so make sure to begin the document with a friendly opening.
An example might be:
Welcome to _ _campground. We want your visit to be as fun, memorable and safe as possible. In the unlikely event of a man-made or natural disaster, it’s important that you’re prepared and understand safety procedures, including evacuation routes. Take a look at this material so if a problem arises, you can respond appropriately and stay safe.
Provide a color-coded, detailed map of evacuation routes out of your campground, along with all exits/entrances into the park. Make sure to clearly mark fixed obstacles that could hinder efforts, as well as flood zones, septic areas and structures. Also feature the order of evacuations to avoid traffic backups and panic (campsites 1–10 evacuate first/11–20 evacuate second/etc.). In addition to that map, include an Elevation/Terrain Map, which you can download from Google Maps.
Provide all necessary emergency numbers, including 9-1-1, the local fire department, the park office’s daytime phone number, and 24-hour number.
Make sure to feature a disclaimer stating that the park is not responsible for physically evacuating campers or providing services or materials during a crisis.