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Severe weather
While traveling it is possible for one to encounter severe weather in the form of storms and lightning, heavy rainfall and snow that can be prove a threat to one's safety.
Safeguards against lightning
- During a lightning storm one should look for shelter in a building straight away.
- If one fails to get protection in a building one should move inside a hard topped vehicle.
- During lightning it is advisable to keep away from open spaces such as meadows, ridges and mountain tops and any area that is elevated than the adjoining landscape.
- One should not stay near tall objects or stand near a tree that is isolated from the rest.
- It is imperative to keep away from metal objects such as fences and machinery.
- During lightning one should switch off all radio and telephone equipments. It is recommended that one should never stand in a group when there is lightning.
- All hand tools must be dropped and metal frame backpacks and metal frame tent poles must be taken out since they attract lightning.
- If a person experiences a tingling feeling and his or her hair rises on end there is a danger of lightning about to strike.
- In such a situation one should squat and conceal one's ears.
- One should never lie down and touch the ground with one's hands.
One should never stand near windows, doors and electrical appliances. It is advisable not to unplug appliances during a storm but do so before a storm approaches. One should try to evade contact with piping such as sinks, baths and faucets. During a storm telephones should be used only in emergency situations.
During arduous journeys it is advisable to keep a lightweight, waterproof ground cloth or a piece of plastic that can be utilized for emergency protection. A storm proof tent, however, provides the most excellent cover during severe weather.
One should always carry lightweight foods and cooking apparatus during expeditions. Trail food for example nuts, dried fruit, candy, and jerky should be utilized for nibbling. At all times one should make certain to carry sufficient quantities of food and water.
One should not take needless risks and the expedition should be concluded if a team member falls sick or there is a hint of severe weather approaching.
It is advisable to set up a camp properly before dark or at the first indication of bad weather. To effectively tackle unfavorable conditions in the event of severe weather one should remain calm and must not panic under any circumstances.
Robust boots, warm jacket and additional clothing must be taken for adequate protection against severe weather during expeditions and travels.
If a person is on the road and severe weather sets in it is advisable for him or her not to proceed further and seek shelter in nearby buildings if feasible. In this way hazards of nature can be effectively dealt with.