WATCH: Tip of the Week - Camping Safety

news image
Special Stories
9 Aug 2019 4:30 PM
This week’s Tip of the Week on WeatherNation with John Van Pelt is all about staying safe when heading outdoors. Whether you're camping or hiking, it's important to know the rules of the outdoors. https://youtu.be/xpKKdEJwZn0   Question: Every summer, millions of American go outside to go camping and spend time in the great outdoors. What hazards should we keep in mind when we head to the backwoods. Answer: It's important to watch the weather. Especially in the summertime, we need to be on the watch for developing thunderstorms and the lightning they bring. It's important to know how to stay safe when outdoors, and quickly move to shelter. No place is safe from lightning outdoors, but if you are caught outside, the most dangerous place to be is at peaks of hills or mountains, then wide open areas, under shallow overhangs, or near bodies of water. It's very dangerous to shelter under tall or isolated trees. The very safest place to be is a sturdy building or inside a metal top car.   Question: What other things should we keep in mind when picking out a camp site or heading outside? Answer: As thunderstorms pop up in the summertime, heavy rain and flash flooding are possible. It's important to remember that these sudden downpours may happen far from where we are hiking or camping. Sudden runoff can inundate low lying areas downstream with little or no warning, so it's essential you are ready to head to higher ground if flooding starts. Establish your  campsite away from dry creek beds or low spots, surrounded by hills or mountains.   Question: Besides weather, what else do we have think about while heading outdoors? Answer: Be aware of wildlife and store food in safe places so as not to tempt them. Use protection against bugs- wear safe repellents and keep them out of your tent. Finally, take care of your skin with hats and sunscreen to protect yourself.   Tune in every week on WeatherNation for a new Tip of the Week to stay ahead of the storm.
All Weather News
More
Severe Storms in the Midwest Continue To Spoil the Holiday Weekend

Severe Storms in the Midwest Continue To Spoil the Holiday Weekend

NORTHERN PLAINS - A frontal system continues

5 Jul 2025 10:15 PM
Tropical Storm Chantal Forms This Morning

Tropical Storm Chantal Forms This Morning

Tropical Storm Chantal has formed, with winds

5 Jul 2025 4:35 PM
Catastrophic Flooding in the Texas Hill Country

Catastrophic Flooding in the Texas Hill Country

Multiple Flash Flood Emergencies were issued

5 Jul 2025 4:35 PM
Eastern Pacific Remains Active

Eastern Pacific Remains Active

Following Flossie, the Eastern Pacific remain

5 Jul 2025 4:30 PM
Near Seasonal Temperatures for Many Come July 4th!

Near Seasonal Temperatures for Many Come July 4th!

AAA is expecting over 70 million travelers to

4 Jul 2025 10:15 AM
Northeast Severe Threat on Thursday

Northeast Severe Threat on Thursday

NORTHEAST -A shortwave trough will swing thro

3 Jul 2025 8:05 PM
Northwest Heat Met With Thunderstorm Risk

Northwest Heat Met With Thunderstorm Risk

NORTHWEST - Today, portions of Montana are un

3 Jul 2025 12:00 AM