| Family tent campers are vulnerable to severe | | | | not the case with tornadoes. According to the |
| weather, so they should be particularly alert for | | | | FAQ's posted by NOAA at their website shown |
| any developing storms. The first line of defense is | | | | below, tornadoes can occur at any time of the |
| to be aware of weather forecasts as well as | | | | year at any elevation. The likelihood of a tornado |
| severe weather watches or warnings for your | | | | might be remote, but you should have a tornado |
| area. If you are camping in a developed | | | | plan for your campsite in case one does occur. |
| campground, there might be weather information | | | | NOAA advises that vehicles are not a safe haven, |
| available at the office or recreation building. Also | | | | but if you have time you might be able to move |
| some campgrounds will try to alert campers if | | | | out of the tornado's path by driving at right angles |
| they hear of a severe weather forecast. | | | | to it. If that is not possible, you should park the |
| However, the absolute best way to stay | | | | car and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If no |
| informed is with a National Oceanic and | | | | buildings are available, lie flat and face-down on |
| Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather | | | | low ground, protecting the back of your head |
| radio. | | | | with your arms. Get as far away from trees and |
| These radios are available at various electronics | | | | cars as you can, as they may be blown onto you |
| stores for around $50. There are many excellent | | | | in a tornado. NOAA further advises that, despite |
| compact units (not much bigger than a deck of | | | | popular myth, a highway overpass is definitely not |
| cards) that easily stow in a backpack. You can | | | | a safe location. Check the NOAA website for |
| listen to the forecast, as well as program the | | | | more detailed information. |
| radio to alert you to watches and warnings for | | | | In all my years of camping, I have had to take |
| your location. Generally it is a good idea to check | | | | refuge from tornadoes only twice. But each was |
| the forecast at least once a day, and to leave | | | | a fairly unnerving experience, because all you can |
| the radio in the alert mode at all other times. I | | | | do is wait to see what will happen. In both cases, |
| have camped all over the US and have always | | | | suitable shelter buildings were within easy distance, |
| been able to receive NOAA weather broadcasts, | | | | which will typically be the case unless you are |
| so is a very reliable and effective service. I would | | | | back-country camping. That doesn't mean you |
| never go camping without a weather radio. | | | | should not go back-country camping, but it does |
| With most severe weather, you can take refuge | | | | mean you need a plan for your specific camping |
| in your vehicle or your tent. But that is definitely | | | | location. |