(ARA) - Often thought to be reserved for summer,
camping is fast becoming a year-round activity. And while camping trips
are planned with hopes of good weather, severe weather always is a
possibility, but it doesn’t have to diminish the enjoyment of camping. To
make the most of the camping experience, it’s important to consider the
weather before packing up the camper or travel trailer.
There’s no avoiding the weather when camping. “The
United States has the most extreme weather conditions in the world, second
only to China,” says Susan Weaver, of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service. “Weather can change
quickly and is very specific to each area.”
Lightning Does Strike Twice
Severe weather can occur anytime of year and often with
little warning. According to NOAA, lightning is one of the most underrated
severe weather hazards because it usually claims one or two victims at a
time and does not cause mass destruction.
“You are in danger of lightning if you can hear
thunder,” states Weaver. “Seek shelter inside an enclosed structure; if
that is not possible squat low to the ground, with your feet close
together and your head between your knees.” Maintain minimal contact with
the ground and do not lie flat.
It’s a Twister…
In the Southern states, peak tornado season is March
through May. Northern states are more likely to be hit with tornadoes
during the summer. People know that during a tornado warning they should
move to an interior room with no windows, or in a basement. When camping,
that’s not a viable option. Experts suggest retreating to a ditch or other
low area, get as low to the ground as possible and cover your head from
possible debris. “Do not seek shelter under an overpass; they act as wind
tunnels during a tornado,” Weaver warns.
Author Brad Herzog and wife Amy of Pacific Grove,
Calif., have been camping for nearly eight years. During their first trip,
Brad authored “States of Mind,” a book, which chronicles their experience.
One night, while camping in Mississippi, they encountered severe weather.
“There were late-night tornado warnings and we were able to track the
warnings by keeping tuned to a local station,” Herzog explains. They were
aware of the warnings in advance and took precautions in case of a tornado
strike. Fortunately the storm passed without any tornados touching down.
Rain, Rain Go Away
Floods and flash floods also are serious threats to
campers. “Most people underestimate the threat of water,” Weaver explains.
“Never attempt to drive through standing water. It only takes 18 to 24
inches to float most vehicles.” According to Weaver, canyons are
particularly prone to flash floods. She recommends not only paying
attention to the weather around you but also upstream. If flooding is a
possibility in your camp area, immediately move to higher ground.
Running Hot and Cold
Not only should campers remain cognizant of possible
severe weather; they also need to be mindful of extreme temperatures or
sudden climate shifts. “Extremely cold temperatures and winds rob heat
from the body,” says Weaver. This, increases your risk for hypothermia and
frostbite. When camping in the winter, pack extra blankets, food and water
to reduce these risks.
Be Prepared
It takes planning to handle any weather Mother Nature
might throw at your camping trip. Simply following some basic tips can
lead to a much more enjoyable camping experience.
Check the weather before you leave home. A variety of
Web sites offer weather forecasts seven days in advance. NOAA’s Web site
can be found at www.weather.gov.
Carry a weather radio at all times. Available at most
electronics stores, a weather radio can be programmed to a specific
location and provide life-saving notification of a fast-developing storm.
Talk to your camping group and develop a contingency
plan should bad weather arise.
Stay Safe
With planning and preparation, it’s possible to camp
year round in almost all kinds of weather. Checking the weather forecast
regularly, listening to a weather radio and knowing what your group is
going to do in the event of bad weather allows campers to have a safe and
fun trip anytime of year.
To get up to the minute weather related information,
log on to http://www.nws.noaa.gov.
