Camper Safety and Guidance

Protecting Campers Starts with preparation

New state laws require youth camps to install weather alert systems, emergency communication equipment, and comprehensive safety plans. Midland Radio has the solutions to help your camp comply and keep every camper safe.

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States with Active Legislation

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Youth Camps Nationwide

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Years of Midland Experience

Detection

Camps must maintain operable radios that provide real-time National Weather Service alerts. No more relying on cell phones or internet-dependent apps that fail during severe weather.

Planning

Written emergency plans must be submitted to state agencies, covering floods, fires, severe weather, lost campers, and more. Staff must be trained annually and campers oriented within 48 hours.

Notification

Emergency warning systems must be capable of alerting ALL campers and include a public address system that works without internet. Every person on the property must be reachable.

Communication

Staff need instant, reliable communication during evacuations. When cell towers go down in severe weather, two-way radios are the only technology that keeps working.

State-By-State Breakdown

What Your State Requires

Click a state below to see specific requirements and how to comply. Requirements where Midland products directly apply are highlighted.

Texas

Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act & Youth Camper Act

Status: Signed into law September 5, 2025 | Compliance deadline: March 31, 2026 | Emergency plans due: May 1, 2026

REQUIREMENTS

Operable radio providing real-time NWS alerts at camp - MIDLAND WR400 / WR120
Emergency warning system alerting ALL campers - MIDLAND MXT275 + SPK100/SPK200
PA system operable WITHOUT internet - MIDLAND MXT Series + SPK Series
Monitor NWS + local river authority alerts - MIDLAND WR400 with S.A.M.E.
Staff communication during evacuations - MIDLAND GXT1000VP4 / T71VP3
Two independent internet connections - Contact local ISP
Written emergency plan submitted to DSHS - DSHS templates
Emergency preparedness coordinatorInternal designation
Annual staff training on emergency procedures
Safety orientation for campers within 48 hoursInternal program
Evacuation routes posted in cabins, lit at night
Muster zones designated - MIDLAND GMRS Radios
Cabins prohibited in FEMA floodplains - Check msc.fema.gov.
Parent notification of floodplain statusInternal communication

Resources: DSHS Youth Camp Program | Licensed Camp List | FEMA Flood Maps | S.A.M.E. County Codes

Alabama

Sarah Marsh Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act

Status: Passed House unanimously Feb 2026 | Pending: Senate action | Scope: Overnight camps only

REQUIREMENTS

Emergency preparedness license from Alabama EMA
Comprehensive emergency plans
Emergency communication systems - MIDLAND WR400 + GMRS Radios + SPK Speakers
Staff training on emergency procedures

Resources: Alabama EMA | Alabama Legislature

Missouri

Summer & Day Camp Emergency Response Act

Status: Companion bills filed in House and Senate, Feb 2026 | Key fact: Missouri currently has zero camp safety requirements in statute

REQUIREMENTS

Camp licensing requirement - All summer and day camps must be licensed. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to maintain public list.
Written, site-specific emergency plans - Must cover natural disasters, lost children, fires, transportation issues, medical emergencies, unauthorized persons, and aquatic emergencies.
Annual safety and health inspections - State agencies to inspect camps annually.
Minimum counselor-to-camper ratios- Ratios to be defined in final legislation.
Safety drills upon arrival - Staff and campers must complete drills at start of each session.
Flood plain notification to parents - Camps must notify parents if facility is in a flood plain.
Criminal background checks - All counselors subject to fingerprint checks, sex offender registry, and abuse/neglect registry searches.
CPR/AED training - At least 50% of counselors and all directors must be CPR/AED certified.

Missouri's legislation is still being finalized. Equipment-specific mandates may be added. Midland's three-layer system (detection, notification, coordination) will position camps ahead of requirements regardless of final language.

Resources: Missouri DESE

Oklahoma

HB 1675 Youth Camp Safety

Status: Advancing through legislature, March 2026 | Stage: Early - specific equipment mandates being defined

REQUIREMENTS

Detailed emergency action plans required for licensure - All youth camps must develop and submit emergency action plans before receiving a license to operate.
Additional requirements TBD - Oklahoma's bill is in early stages. Specific equipment, training, and communication mandates are expected to follow the Texas model as the bill advances.

We will update this page as Oklahoma's legislation develops. Camps planning ahead should consider the Texas requirements as a benchmark.

Resources: Oklahoma Legislature

MIDLAND's Approach

Three Levels of Camp Safety

A compliant camp needs detection, notification, and coordination working together. Midland is the only brand that provides all three levels from a single manufacturer, with zero internet dependency.