"Basic Guide for Surviving Bad Weather on a Camping Trip"

No one wants to think their camping trip might be spoiled by bad weather, but it is quite likely that you will run into some eventually. The trick is to be prepared for it, so you can reduce unpleasant results as much as possible. When you go hiking or on a long walk away from the shelter of the camping site, take an extra jacket in case the weather turns cold. Tie it around your waist if it won’t fit into a backpack.

If a storm comes up while you are out in the open, don’t shelter under a tree. Trees are often struck by lightning and strong winds can tear a limb off. If you are in the car, don’t park under a tree. Better for the car to get hail damage than you. Shelter from wind in the lee of a large rock, a hill or low bushy growth. Turning your back to wind will reduce its affect on you. Half close your eyes so that dust and debris won’t blow into them.

If there is thunder and lightning and you are out in flat, open ground, crouch down to lessen the chance of lightning seeking you out. If there is a shallow depression in the ground, crouch in that, but never climb down into a gully. If there is a cloudburst upstream, you could find yourself in swirling floodwaters before you know it.

The wind-chill factor is what makes cold wether unbearable, so stay out of freezing winds wherever possible. If winds are searing hot and dusty, dampen a kerchief and tie it around your mouth and nose, gangster style. This can help when it’s cold too, but in the case of cold wind, don’t dampen the cloth.

Much of the body heat is lost from the head and neck; if possible, keep these two body parts covered when in extremely cold conditions. If the worst comes to the worst and you have to stay out overnight, huddling together will help preserve everyone’s body warmth.

It’s wise to take extra provisions with you even if you’ll only be away from the campsite for one day. Children get extra hungry when they are out in the fresh air, and if the weather suddenly turns nasty, extra food - even chocolate bars - can help the body survive its onslaught. In fact, a small tent doesn’t weigh much, so it would be an idea to take one along with you. Then if you get hit with a storm you can at least stay dry.