Fire hazards do not take holidays.

• Position: Camping - Brief Article

This summer, nearly 50,000,000 people eagerly will leave the cares of the office and home behind as they pack cars, trailers, and backpacks to go camping. If you are one of those pursuing fun in the great outdoors, remember that you cannot take a vacation from safety.

"Some of the same safety issues you have at home, such as cooking fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, are still dangers when you're camping," warns John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., an independent, not-for-profit testing and certification organization out of Northbrook, III.

Safety begins before you leave for the campground. Drengenberg advises inspecting and testing cooking, heating, and lighting gear at home to ensure all are in good repair--and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Also, pack up home safety habits with you for use at the campsite. The National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass., says cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries. Frequently, these are from leaving the cooking area unattended. Despite the allure of Mother Nature, do not abandon...