Tornado Safety When Camping
Staying Safe from Bad Weather Outdoors
Whether it's camping in an RV with many people around or a more rustic type of camping with just a tent out in the middle of a National Forest, bad weather can happen. Relying on technology out in the wild will not always work out. Cell phones can go out of range on many campsites. If a tornado happens to come while camping, preparation is very important.
Must-Have Packing Gear for Bad Weather
Before leaving on a camping trip during the spring, it's important to be familiar with the sounds of a tornado siren. When arriving at a campsite, the camper should walk around and observe the territory so when disaster strikes the surroundings will be well-known.
Make sure to pack a flashlight with new batteries. Another recommended safety gear is a radio flashlight. These are flashlights with a radio built in. Some do not need batteries. Emergency radio flashlights can be found at a camping store.
Bringing some type of helmet also wouldn't hurt. Tornadoes bring very strong winds which could cause debris to fall. Having a helmet device is a good idea.
Weather Leading to Tornadoes
Spring brings many tornadoes in beautiful camping states such as Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas. One minute the weather is beautiful and the next minute a type of calmness comes that will make anybody quiver, then all the bad weather leading to a horrendous tornado.
During the calm before the storm, the appearance of the air and sky can have a greenish tint. When this calm and green comes to the air, it wouldn't hurt to get out a flashlight radio and helmet so one is prepared. Then, the black clouds start moving in. No matter what time of day, the black clouds will make the outside seem like it's night. This is a main reason why knowing the surroundings is so important.
Tornadoes usually bring rain and then hail. This is another reason why having a helmet already on is a smart move. Following the hail is usually a tornado.
Camping with a Tornado
When hearing the tornado siren, immediately take cover. Unfortunately, there is not usually a hallway, basement or storm shelter on campgrounds so the only way to stay safe is to get to the lowest point possible. At campgrounds, this could be a ditch, dried creek bed or in a valley. Bring a flashlight radio and keep the helmet on.
Getting into the right position ensures as much safety as possible. This position starts by the person getting on his knees and sitting on his calves and feet. Then, the person would lie over his thighs while being face down and covering his head with his hands. This position might not be very comfortable but it's the safest position.
The flashlight radio should already be turned on so everyone can hear where exactly the tornado is to know what to expect. Remember to stay calm and keep listening to the weather radio channel. Tornadoes are known to move very fast so hopefully the storm will be over soon.
The next thing that comes with a tornado is by far the best; the siren stating the weather is finally clear. At this time, it's safe to go back to the tent and relax. Keeping the flashlight radio on for another half of an hour to an hour would be a smart idea just to make sure the tornado is completely out of sight from the campsite.
Tornado About to Strike
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