Camping Weather Safety

Weather Can Change Fast!

When you're camping or hiking, you're exposed to the elements. Weather that seems fine can turn dangerous in minutes. Knowing the signs of bad weather and how to protect yourself is an essential survival skill!

A portable weather radio is one of the most important items you can bring on any outdoor adventure.

Pre-Trip Weather Checklist

Before heading out, complete this checklist:

Nature's Warning Signs

Learn to read the sky! These signs often come before storms:

Storm Coming Soon (1-3 hours)

• Dark, towering clouds - Cumulonimbus clouds mean thunderstorms
• Sudden wind shift - Wind changing direction quickly
• Temperature drop - Cold air rushing in
• Increasing wind - Gusty winds picking up
• Distant thunder - If you hear it, lightning is within 10 miles

Storm Imminent (Minutes Away)

• Sky turns green - Often indicates hail or tornadoes
• Loud roar - Could be approaching tornado
• Hair standing up - Lightning about to strike nearby!
• Sudden calm - Eye of the storm (more coming!)
• Wall cloud - Low, rotating cloud = tornado danger

⚡ Lightning Safety

Lightning kills more people than tornadoes or hurricanes! Follow the 30-30 Rule:

If Caught Outside:

• Get low - Crouch down, feet together, head tucked
• Avoid tall objects - Don't be the tallest thing around
• Stay away from water - Lakes, streams, wet areas conduct electricity
• Avoid metal - Drop hiking poles, remove metal frame backpack
• Spread out - If in a group, stay 50+ feet apart
• Never lie flat - Ground current can travel through you

Safe Places:

• Hard-topped vehicle (not a convertible)
• Sturdy building
• Low ground in a forest (avoid lone trees)

Unsafe Places:

• Under a single tall tree
• On hilltops or ridges
• In or near water
• In a tent (no protection!)
• Near metal fences or poles

🌪️ Tornado Safety

Tornadoes can happen quickly with little warning. Know what to do!

Warning Signs:

• Dark, greenish sky
• Large hail
• Loud roaring sound (like a freight train)
• Rotating, funnel-shaped cloud

If Camping When Tornado Warning Issued:

1. Leave your tent immediately - Tents offer NO protection
2. Get to a sturdy building if possible
3. If no building: Find a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine
4. Lie flat and cover your head with your arms
5. Stay away from cars, trees, and mobile structures

☀️ Heat Safety

Hot weather can be just as dangerous as storms!

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness, headache

Signs of Heat Stroke (EMERGENCY!):

• High body temperature (103°F+)
• Hot, red, dry skin (not sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Prevention:

• Drink water regularly (don't wait until thirsty)
• Wear light, loose clothing
• Take breaks in the shade
• Avoid the hottest part of the day (12-3 PM)
• Know the signs and watch your group

❄️ Cold Weather Safety

Signs of Hypothermia:

• Shivering (may stop in severe cases)
• Slurred speech
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Confusion, memory loss
• Drowsiness
• Bright red, cold skin (especially in infants)

Prevention:

• Layer your clothing (base, insulation, shell)
• Keep dry - change wet clothes immediately
• Cover extremities (head, hands, feet)
• Eat high-energy foods
• Stay active to generate body heat
• Use the buddy system - watch each other

Frostbite Warning Signs:

• Numbness in fingers, toes, nose, ears
• White or grayish-yellow skin
• Skin feels unusually firm or waxy

🌊 Flash Flood Safety

Flash floods are the #1 weather killer in the US. They can happen in minutes!

Camping Near Water:

• Never camp in dry creek beds or washes
• Camp on high ground above flood level
• Know upstream weather conditions
• If water rises, move to higher ground immediately

If Flash Flood Warning:

1. Move immediately to higher ground
2. Don't wait for instructions if danger is imminent
3. Never walk through moving water (6 inches can knock you down)
4. Never drive through flooded roads

Remember: "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"

Printable Safety Card

Print this card and keep it in your camping gear!