Weather is all too often the bane of a good campout. Rain or a sudden cold snap can take a trip from merry to misery pretty quickly. What happens, though, when the weather isn’t just a pain in the butt, it’s dangerous? According to the National Weather Service, dozens of Americans die every year from flash floods and lightning, while hundreds die from exposure to the cold. Knowing what to do in such situations could save your life.
Flash Floods
Flash floods can arise seemingly out of the blue, hence their name. Don’t understimate them. Even just six inches of water can take a grown man off his feet. Here are some tips to avoid being swept away.- Avoid setting up camp in low areas, or anywhere it looks like intense rain could be funneled.- Flash floods typically can’t occur without prolonged or heavy rainfall somewhere nearby. Check the previous week’s weather reports.- If you make it to your car, never try to ford quickly moving water. If flood waters are already around your car, abandon it to get to higher ground.- If you’ve crashed your car into water, immediately roll your windows down. You’ll be able to open your car door and get out this way.
Heavy Lightning
Being struck by lightning is one of those things people joke about never happening to them, but it does, all over the country. If you find yourself amid intense lightning, here’s what you can do.- Again, tent placement is key. You don’t want to be the tallest thing around, so avoid open areas. Also avoid isolated trees, as they act like a lightning rod.- Know that many tent-like shelters won’t actually protect you. And open-walled structures like pavilions won’t ground lightning.- Ironically, good advice for being safe from lightning is opposite what you should do for flash floods. Stick to lower ground if you hear thunder.- Stay clear of water at all costs.
High Winds/Tornado
Just because you’re surrounded by the hills of Appalachia doesn’t mean you’re immune to tornadoes. Not doing the right things could result in a case of impromptu flight.- Your car isn’t enough protection. If winds are strong enough, your car will do more harm than good.- If possible, put as many sturdy walls between you and the outside as possible. Being inside a fixed shelter is best. Are there any bath houses or lodges nearby?- If you’re stranded out in the open, get as far away from trees as possible, then get as low to the ground as you can. Lying in a ditch or culvert with your hands on your head minimizes the chance that the winds will catch you.
Sudden Freeze
Even if things don’t get to the freezing point, an unexpected drop in temperature can have serious consequences, especially if there’s rain or snow. Knowing how to keep warm is a vital skill every camper should know.- If you can afford the weight to pack extra temperature-specific gear, do it. Extra fire starters, blankets and dry clothes add weight, but could make a big difference.- Getting wet while the temperature drops can mean frostbite. Immediately shed wet clothes and build a fire to warm up and dry the wet clothes.- Staying hydrated is key. Your body spends a lot of energy trying to keep warm.- If you’re backpacking, you might have to halt your hike. Sweating while it’s cold can drop your temperature quickly. Set up camp and start getting warm.- Hypothermia is a slow and insidious killer. Prevention is much easier than treatment.