Practical Guide: 3 Ways to Stay Safe in a Lightning Storm While Camping

Using this practical guide to saying safe in a lightning storm while camping may save your life. Lightning can strike anywhere when a storm breaks out. Depending on where you’re located outdoors, a thunderstorm could be potentially dangerous.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that there is no safe outdoor place during a lightning storm. Their motto is, ‘When thunder roars, go indoors.” If that’s not possible, follow these tips to lessen your risk of lightning related injury.

Tent Tips

Do whatever you can to avoid setting up your tent under an isolated tree, or the tallest one. Stay away from broad open areas, high peaks, ridges, hilltops, elevated terrain, and metal fences. As pleasing as these camping spots might be, if a storm sweeps through, you’re not safe in your tent. Lightning is attracted to higher ground and tall objects. Research shows that lightning can be fatal up to about 30 feet from where a lightning strike hits the ground.

If you hear thunder, that means lightning is within striking distance. Leave your tent for a safer location immediately. Your safest bet is a fully constructed building with plumbing and wiring to ground out a strike, or an all-metal automobile (not a convertible). If you do shelter in a car, avoid touching the external metal of the car or the car parts that make contact with the external metal, such as the steering wheel or door handle.

If you’re in the backcountry and there are no buildings, move to lower ground and avoid the things that attract lightning. Also, if you’re camping in an open area, set up in a valley, ravine, or other low area.

Unsafe Structures and Buildings

Some structures you may encounter while camping are unsafe, such as picnic shelters and outhouses. The shelters have open sides and lack a method to ground lighting strikes. Outhouses don’t have the wiring or plumbing to ground the lightning strike.

Seek shelter in a low-lying area. Steer clear of tall objects like trees, electric poles, wires, and fences. It’s also advised you keep your distance from wet items, ropes, metal objects, and water. While these things don’t attract lightning, they’re prime conductors of electricity! The current from a lighting flash has the ability to travel far distances.

Wait Until it’s Safe To Go Back

Once the thunderstorm is over, wait at least 30 minutes before returning to your camping area or resuming your hike. Stay in a safe location for 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

A large number of people have been killed because they didn’t wait long enough after the storm before resuming outdoor activities. Similarly, many people were struck by lightning because they did not seek shelter soon enough.

If in a Group, Spread Out

If you’re camping in a group, don’t huddle together even though that may be comforting. Spread out to avoid the lightning’s current traveling between people.

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There are alternatives for catching fish other than sitting for hours with a fishing pole in hand. In a bug out situation, multi-tasking will be of the essence and your attention will be on other chores besides catching fish. With that said, check out some hacks for survival fishing.

Set hooks consist of a line (the inside of 550 cord works sufficiently), hook, sinker and bait. Tying the line off to a branch hanging above water needs to be adjusted according to its depth. Ensure that the line is strong enough to hold fish until your return, but is flexible enough to give fish play.

You can attach baits to the hook, such as worms, fish, etc. This method is great for most bottom-feeding fish, like catfish. One hook typically yields more than one fish. They tend to the same work as traps and snares.

Trot lines are another method to catch fish without manning a pole. They’re akin to set hooks, but are generally comprised of a long line (top line) with short lines positioned evenly along the long line with a hook attached to each short line.

Hooks on trot lines are baited identical to those on set hooks; the main difference is they’ll have 20-to-25 hooks on short lines that cover a wider area. The ends of the long line are connected to a sturdy tree or other tie-off point at each side of the body of water where the fishing is being done.

Using a boat optimizes this method of survival fishing because allows you to “run” and re-bait the hooks without the need of pulling the line from the water. If you don’t have boat, attaching one end of the long line to a weighted item — such as brick or stone — and throwing the long line into the water will do. Note that this technique is more successful with shorter trot lines since you can conveniently pull it in from the anchor point when checking it.

Fish traps can be constructed by using metal wire and natural materials. This technique is like a basket with a bait or attractant in the center and a narrowed down opening that enables fish to get inside the trap, but not escape out easily.

A host of variables are available here with fish traps, as they go from basic to high-tech in their build. If you want more fish, this method is preferred over set hooks or trot lines. They’re a better alternative if you’re in a bug in or stationery location and expect to remain there for a longer period of time due to its lack of maneuverability.

Natural poisons is a technique used strictly in a survival situation. Natural poisons are done in shallow areas of water to kill a large number of small fish in a brief period of time.

The following natural poisons are toxic to fish, but typically harmless to humans: nut husks from young walnuts; lime (can be made by burning seashells and crushing them up); and a variety of plants (this requires research based on the region you live in).

You can’t walk another step, you feel a thunderstorm brewing, and it’s time to refill your energy stores. You need to find a safe and comfortable spot to make camp for the night. Here’s how to choose.

Where to Start Looking for a Spot

Hollows and valleys are generally the wettest, coldest, and foggiest spots for camping locations. Higher ground means rain will run off and is less likely to gather in your campsite.

Think about how long you’re planning on staying. If it’s just for a night you won’t need much room but you’ll need to stretch out and walk around if you’ll be in the area for more than a few days.

Look for small game trails, evidence of foot traffic from animals or people, and insect nests. Some you can’t avoid, but don’t put yourself in a place that’s a highway for animals or people that you might disturb.

If you’re on rocky terrain, be mindful of ledges that might pose a danger if you’re moving around at night. These areas can also be home to snakes and other critters.

Trees Can be a Friend and an Enemy

Don’t just look for shade. Some trees have dangling branches that could blow over and impale you, or destroy your belongings. If want to be near a tree, discern whether it’s safe enough to settle under first.

If you’ll need to dry clothes or hang bear-bags with food, look for branches that will be sturdy but are higher off the ground.

Be certain there’s enough space between you and a tall tree. Tall trees are magnets for lighting strikes. Keep an eye on low hanging branches that can pose a danger to eyes and your face when moving around in low light.

Where to Put Your Shelter

Steer clear of tall grass. The reason? Ticks, ants, and other pesky insects thrive in tall blades of grass, which could give you a real dose of misery.

If you can, set up your tent on a durable surface like rock, bare ground, sand, or gravel to protect fragile areas. Kick away any sticks and rocks that can bug you as you sleep. Try to avoid being on an incline, since you might find sleeping slanted pretty uncomfortable.

Before night falls look around for escape routes and potential cover. If you need to bolt for any reason during the night you’ll need to know where to go.

Water’s Benefits and Dangers

A smart bit of advice is to camp at least 200 feet away from water. Any river or stream can unpredictably flood if conditions are right. Also, land close to water tends to be marshy. This brings up another great tip — not being close to water helps in avoiding an area thick with mosquitoes another insects attracted to water.

Look for access to clean water that’s moving. Stagnant water brings lots of bugs and bacteria. If you’re staying long-term, look for an area in which you can collect rainwater.

Research Any Required Permits or Permission

You may need to have a backcountry permit if you’re on land that’s a state or national park. You’ll need to apply for backcountry permits ahead of time or you may find yourself face to face with a very unhappy hiker or ranger.

If you’re on private property, get permission to camp. If the land owner finds you snuggled up without permission you could face fines and possible criminal charges.

Follow these tips and you’ll find yourself a campsite that you won’t want to leave. Always treat every campsite with respect and leave it cleaner than when you arrived.

Are all 7 of these essential skills in your survival inventory? Taking some time to see if you’ve safely covered all of the essential elements of survival skills.

1 – Find and Keep Clean Water Water is critical to our survival and is a top priority if you’re faced with a natural disaster or other emergency situation. While it’s a good idea to stockpile plenty of water, there’s only so much you can pack with you if you have to leave your home. Learn how to identify water sources and purify the water so it is safe to drink.

2 – Find Sustainable Food Sources Growing your own food in a garden is a great way to ensure you will be able to feed your family if the food supply is affected. If you have to leave your home, or if you need supplemental food supplies, it is essential that you are able to hunt and gather food outdoors. Hunting and fishing are excellent ways to supplement your food supply. Learn to identify edible plants and bugs to supplement your meals.

3 – Start Fire Fire-starting is one of the most important skills you can learn. Fire gives you the ability to cook food, boil water and stay warm. Make sure you include fire-starting tools in your survival kit. Learn how to build a fire in wet and dry conditions.

4 – Use First Aid Techniques Every survival kit should include first aid supplies, but they don’t do much good if you don’t know how to use them. It is important that you learn basic first aid skills such as CPR, cleaning and dressing wounds, making splints or slings and treating shock.

5 – Master Simple Sewing Many people fail to consider sewing when thinking about survival skills. However, this skill is one of the most important skills you can learn. This skill allows you to repair clothing, blankets and other fabrics that you will need to survive.

6 – Use Self-Defense Techniques In a true emergency, you may be required to defend yourself from desperate people or hungry wildlife. It will be up to you to defend yourself and your loved ones. Take self-defense classes and learn how to use a firearm. Make sure you have a quality knife in your survival kit.

7 – Develop a Survival Mentality When you’re faced with an emergency situation, it is important that you stay mentally strong. Survival training teaches you how to deal with a variety of possible scenarios so that you will be prepared when disaster strikes. With proper training and preparation, you will be ready to face any situation that may arise.

If you want to be prepared, do an inventory of your survival skills and start practicing the elements that need work.

You need to know the critical steps and how to avoid risking your own life in the process of rescuing someone from a fall through the ice.

If someone falls through ice and you’re the only one who can save the victim, don’t rush to them. Don’t go near the edge of where they are because chances are you’ll fall through as well.

How to Rescue Someone Who Falls Through Ice

1. Shout to the victim and get help by dialing 911. Hopefully you have a phone and a good cell phone connection.

2. Reach for the victim only if you can do it from shore. If not, extend a jumper cable, rope, ladder, or something that will float to the victim. Note, if the person starts to pull you in, release your grip on the object and start over.

One important tip … if a rope is tossed to the victim, have them tie it around themselves in case they’re too weak by the cold ice to grab a hold of it.

3. If you can, find a light boat to push across the ice to the victim. Be sure it’s pushed to the edge of the hole, get into the boat, and pull the victim over the bow.

A good piece of advice is to attach some rope to the boat so that others can help pull you and the person who fell through the ice to safety.

All other rescue techniques should be performed before attempting to venture on the ice to rescue a victim.

If the situation is too dangerous, call 911 and repeatedly reassure the victim that help is on the way. Encourage them to fight to survive. It’s vital you adhere to these safety techniques so the dire situation doesn’t result in two deaths.

Maintaining a healthy level of fitness is about more than just keeping your mind and body in good shape. Fitness is also part of being prepared for the unexpected.

When the time comes, you need to be prepared to get places without a vehicle. You’ll likely be carrying your gear over long distances when disaster strikes and you need to get to a safe place.

While cardiovascular exercises, weight lifting and stretching can all help you be ready to move, there are a few simple tests to make sure you can get yourself and your gear to your destination. Wilderness professionals use these tests to gauge their readiness for their jobs.

Wildland Firefighter Pack Tests

The wildland firefighter pack tests are set to make sure Forest Service personnel are prepared for the physical demands of battling wildfires. Search and rescue teams also use these tests for fitness exams. There are three tiers of testing, each carrying an increased level of difficulty. All of these are done on level terrain wearing boots.

Remember to train before doing these tests and also consult your physician before substantially increasing your level of physical activity.

Light: The easiest of the three. The light test is a one-mile hike in 16 minutes. You don’t need to be carrying anything, but feel free to bring a small amount of water and equipment.

Moderate: This is the first test involving a pack. It comprises of a two-mile hike with a 25-pound pack in half an hour. For many of us, this could comprise of a general field kit. If you’re adding weight to your pack, make sure it’s evenly placed. Many people use sand bags to weigh down their rucks.

While this is an easy way to give you the required weight for the test, it can also cause a it of discomfort with how the sand will pull down on the pack. How this works out will depend on the type of pack to use. Remember, you don’t want to go far beyond your body’s tolerance for these exercises. It doesn’t make sense to delay your training with avoidable injuries.

Arduous: This test involves the most weight and the longest hike. Carry a 45-pound pack for three miles in 45 minutes. Lane county Search and Rescue uses this as one testing option for candidates and members. However, because 45 pounds can be a substantial amount of weight for someone who may weigh, say, 120 pounds, EMR adjusts the weight for 45 pounds or one third of the person’s body weight, whichever is less.

Search and Rescue Pack Tests

While Eugene Mountain Rescue and other Lane county SAR teams do use the arduous test for members and candidates, we have other tests that we use to assess physical fitness.

Search and rescue missions will often go off of flat land and into higher elevations on steep slopes over long distances. Our tests have longer distances than the arduous test with more elevation gain, but with more time for members to complete. Here is an example of one our more commonly used tests.

Load a pack with 25 percent of your body weight, up to 40 pounds. Hike a hill that allows you to travel up, down and up again for an uphill elevation gain of 2,000 feet. This test must be completed in less than two hours. Sometimes the downhill leg of the test will vary depending the hill you use.

For instance, a hill that goes up 1,500 feet will only require 500 feet of downhill travel to allow for the 2,000 feet required uphill. The distance may also vary. One slope we use for this test covers a little more than four miles.

These pack tests or “rucks” can give you a good benchmark for your physical fitness outside the weight room or treadmill. Try them out and see what works for you and the kit you plan on carrying.

People who enjoy the outdoors can find themselves many miles away from civilization and aid. While this doesn’t faze many adventurers, it does pose a significant risk that should not be taken lightly.

Many people are well versed in how to take care of themselves outside the comforts of home. There are also others who aren’t. Either way, but some means or another, misfortune will befall someone.

It can come as bad weather, an animal attack, illness or injury or any other situation that puts someone in a bad spot.

It’s those times when they’re counting on someone to get them out. That’s where Search and Rescue comes in.

How SAR operates will vary between states. In Oregon, the responsibility of SAR falls onto the county sheriff.

Eugene Mountain Rescue, my unit, mainly works with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and also assists other jurisdictions around the state. There are also non-profits that will various regions of the state and are called upon but not necessarily a part of a sheriff’s office.

Individual units can specialize in fields such as all-terrain vehicles, K9 searches, emergency communications and diving. EMR is a unit that focuses on rock, alpine, snow and ground search missions. Most SAR personnel in Oregon are volunteers.

Four Reasons to Join a SAR Team

1. Public Service
You’ll be serving your community in an area that really doesn’t ever run low on demand. There’s a huge sense of satisfaction that comes from missions and training for SAR. You’re saving lives, and that counts.

Don’t worry too much about equipment. There’s a good chance you already have plenty of the equipment that you need for SAR such as a pack, boots, medical and field gear. Your team will provide more advanced equipment such as radios and GPS units.

2. Diverse Training
SAR training will involve anything from land navigation to tracking to criminal investigations.The training not only helps you be a better rescuer, but will also help you in whatever you’re doing outside of SAR.

I’m a better-prepared hiker and snowboarder thanks to the survival and avalanche training I’ve done with EMR. I’m better able to plan trips and more prepared to help those around me.

3. Have a Story to Tell
Your conversations at work, the dinner table and the bar will be far more interesting. Your newfound knowledge of the outdoors and field craft will likely interest someone, and it makes for decent talk over a pint. Mostly.

4. A Network of Friends
You’ll find that most of your team members are a lot like you. Many will come from different backgrounds, but they’ll share a love of the outdoors and service. My unit carries a bunch of types. Some are teachers, firefighters, ex-military, businessmen and doctors. They’re a great bunch, and I know I can count on them in the field. Outside of SAR, you’ll probably join them for adventures where you’ll probably use the very skills you’ve learned in training, but just for fun.

If you’re ready to get these benefits and more, do some research on what’s available near you and get involved. Your skills can mean the difference between life and death.

If you spend time in the mountains, would you know what to do if you got caught in an avalanche? Avalanches injure thousands of people—and kill more than 150—each year.

Don’t be a statistic. Learn what you need to do to survive an avalanche.

The following tips will help you build awareness of avalanche safety and help you survive in case you get caught in an avalanche.

1- Be prepared.

Before you head out into the snow, be aware of the snow conditions. Thin snow cover in early winter can become weak and unstable as heavier snowfall comes down on top. This instability increases the chances of an avalanche. If you can avoid it, don’t go out when the avalanche risk is high. Carry an avalanche beacon to help rescuers locate you if you get buried in an avalanche.

2- Travel in a group.

If you’re spending time in the snow, don’t do it alone. Travel with a group of people and make sure they are familiar with avalanche conditions and rescue.

3- Seek shelter.

If you’re caught in an avalanche, seek shelter wherever possible. Avalanches are powerful and send tons of snow quickly down a mountain, covering everything in its path. Crouch down, turn away from the avalanche and cover your mouth and nose to prevent snow from getting in. Brace yourself against the impact.

4- Stay on top of the snow.

If you are buried in an avalanche, you need to get to the top. Depending on the severity of the avalanche, this may be easier said than done. You need to act quickly to stay on the top of the snow. Move your arms in a backstroke to stay on top of the snow.

5- If you’re buried, create an airway.

“If it comes over you and buries your face, you want to fight, you want to swing, you want to punch.” Sue Anderson of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue states. “You want to fight as hard as you can to stay on top of that snow. When the snow stops, it settles down as hard as concrete. You have about a second to punch to get that airway done.”

6- Remain calm.

This step may seem impossible when you’ve been buried in an avalanche. However, this step is the most important one for your survival. If you panic, you run the risk of making the situation worse.

7- Dig yourself out and call for help.

Your survival depends on your ability to get yourself on top of the snow. Do whatever you can to dig yourself out of the snow and call out for help.

Surviving winter’s worst requires a combination of common sense, adequate preparation, and innovative use of everyday items.

Here are some strategies for surviving the biggest blizzard Old Man Winter can dish out.

What to Buy When Blizzard is Approaching

Buy a variety of items at the store. Think about bottled water, juice, granola bars, nuts, and other packaged foods that last for long periods of time. Don’t waste time with non-essential items.
Make a huge dish or two of a food that provides a big dose of calories and carbohydrates, like lasagna or heavy casseroles. Slice them into pieces and place them in the freezer.
Buy salt for your sidewalks and driveway. Cat litter is an acceptable substitute if ice-melting products aren’t available.
Buy a reliable shovel. Then buy a back up for that one.

What Do Do When The Snow is Piling Up Outside

Keep up with the downfall by shoveling and sprinkling salt on your sidewalks and driveway. This makes clean-up easier and keeps you ready for an emergency evacuation.
Keep your vehicles clear of snow and ice by tending to them every few hours. Cover car windows and windshields with a large tarp that can be removed to save time.
Help out your neighbors. Doing them a favor of clearing their property might pay off if you’re unable to get to your own at some point.

What to Do in the Blizzard’s Aftermath

Move snow from critical areas like your driveway, sidewalks and gutters to less important area. Always have a clear route to and from your door.
Wear clothing that will protect you from the wet and cold weather but also has room to move. Avoid cotton materials that can get sweaty and keep you cold.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the blizzard’s white out aftermath. Sun reflects off of snow and ice and can cause damage.

With the right preparation and some common sense, you’ll be able to ride out a winter storm and have easy access to everything you need.

The desert is an incredible environment to explore. Rock formations, vibrant colors, and varied landscapes make the hiking experience incredibly rewarding.

However, hiking in the desert comes with some serious risks. Even if you’re not planning to be gone for long, let someone know where you’re planning to hike and what time they should expect you to be back.

People who aren’t prepared to spend extended time in the desert frequently get in trouble due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, poor equipment, temperature fluctuations and flash flooding. These dangers can be easily avoided with preparation and awareness.

Around 80 percent of people who get lost are day hikers who aren’t prepared to spend more than a few hours in the wilderness.

If you find yourself lost, remember these seven priorities of survival.

1- Positive Mental Attitude: Maintaining a positive mental attitude is essential to survival. A clear mind will help you strategize a plan to keep you safe and help rescuers locate you. Your mental attitude will also help you conserve your energy so that you do not exhaust yourself by making poor choices.

2- Water: The desert is typically very hot and very dry. Because there are virtually no reliable water sources in the desert, you will need to pack at least a gallon of water per person for each day you plan to be hiking. Hydrate before you leave for the hike. Make sure you have iodine tablets or another method of purifying water so that you can safely drink water that you find.

3- Shelter: Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically in the desert. During the summer, temperatures can reach upwards of 115 degrees during the heat of the day. Wear long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect you from the sun. Carry an emergency blanket to provide a quick and effective shelter in case you get lost or injured.

4- Signaling: Always carry some sort of signaling device with you when you’re hiking. A whistle, signal mirror and brightly colored bandana can easily fit in a pack and can help rescuers locate you. If you’re in the backcountry, consider packing a satellite phone or personal locator beacon. You can use these devices to call for help in case of emergency.

5- Fire: The ability to make fire can save your life in case of an emergency. Fire provides an essential heat source to keep you warm when temperatures drop, and it also helps rescuers identify your location. Always pack fire starting tools and make you know how to use them before you hike.

6- First Aid Kit: The desert can bring many dangers. Make sure you have a first aid kit that is stocked with bandages, ointments, antiseptic wipes, allergy medications, painkillers and any other medications you may need.

7- Rest: If you are lost, you will need to conserve your energy. The desert sun is brutal. Avoid hiking in the heat of the day to reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. Stay put and use your signaling devices to help increase the likelihood that you will be found.

If you are lost in the desert, these seven priorities of survival will help you stay calm and provide you with the tools you need to stay alive and get rescued.