Camping safety tips for tents and adventurers: things you need to know to prevent emergencies
Staying Safe During Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain While Camping
Camping can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to take precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rain to ensure safety. Here are some key steps to follow when camping in a tent, caravan, or motorhome.
Choosing a Campsite
Avoid setting up camp under tall, isolated trees, which can attract lightning and pose a deadly risk. Instead, opt for lower ground or areas with groups of shorter trees to reduce the likelihood of a lightning strike. Also, steer clear of open areas where you or your tent might be the tallest object, as lightning tends to target the tallest point.
Making the Campsite Storm-Proof
Secure your tent with stakes and guylines to withstand heavy rain and wind. For caravans and motorhomes, ensure windows and vents are closed and check drainage to prevent flooding. Remove or safely store metal objects that could conduct electricity during lightning, such as fishing poles, umbrellas, or metal tent poles.
Behavior During a Thunderstorm
In a tent, avoid holding or touching metal objects, and stay low but not lying flat on the ground — crouch with feet together if no safer shelter is available. If possible, seek shelter inside a vehicle or a building, which provide better protection against lightning than tents. Do not remain on elevated spots like hills or ridges; move promptly to lower ground at the first thunder sound or lightning sighting. If you cannot leave your tent during a thunderstorm, go to the center of the tent, crouch, and present the smallest possible target by squatting, bringing your feet together, and pulling your knees to your chest.
Reliable Weather Apps
Use highly rated weather applications known for real-time severe weather alerts, such as NOAA Weather Radar, AccuWeather, or Weather Channel apps, to monitor thunderstorm development locally and receive warnings ahead of time. Check weather conditions frequently during camping trips and have alerts set for thunderstorm warnings to allow timely evacuation or sheltering.
In summary, avoid lightning attractors by choosing low, sheltered sites away from tall isolated trees and high ground. Secure your tent or vehicle for heavy rain, avoid metal contact, and shelter inside metal vehicles or buildings during storms. Monitor trusted weather apps for advance warnings to adjust plans if severe weather approaches.
It's also important to remember that if a person is struck by lightning, they are not electrified. You can touch and help them immediately and safely. A taut tent allows water to run off smoothly and prevents heavy water pockets from damaging the structure during rain.
- For individuals who appreciate outdoor-living, it's crucial to understand home-and-garden tips for weatherproofing their campsite, such as securing the tent or vehicle, and removing or storing metal objects during thunderstorms.
- To enjoy a safe lifestyle while camping in rainy weather, it's advisable to use reliable weather apps like NOAA Weather Radar or Weather Channel to monitor thunderstorm development, receive warnings, and adjust plans accordingly, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
