How To prep for Bad Weather
What should you always check before going on a campout?
The weather forecast
What do dark, tall cumulonimbus clouds usually mean?
Thunderstorms are likely
What is the biggest danger during a thunderstorm?
Lightning
What is a tornado?
A rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground
If lightning starts while you’re outside, where should you go?
Inside a building or car
What item helps protect your gear, tent, and keep you dry in rain?
A waterproof rain fly or tarp
Which direction do most weather systems in the U.S. move?
From west to east
What can happen if you stay in wet clothes in cold weather?
COLD
What should you do if you see a funnel cloud while camping?
Take shelter in a low area or sturdy building
What should you do if your clothes catch fire from a campfire accident?
Stop, drop, and roll
What should you do with tents in windy weather to keep them secure?
Stake them down and use guy lines
What can a sudden drop in air pressure indicate?
A storm is approaching
What should you avoid standing under in a lightning storm?
Tall, isolated trees/metal objects
What is the main danger from flash floods?
Fast-moving water sweeping people or tents away
What’s the first thing to do if a Scout shows signs of hypothermia?
Move them to warmth and dry clothing
When camping in cold weather, what should you do to to stay warm at night?
Use an appropriate rated sleeping bag, cuddle up, and stay away from the walls of your tent.
What does the red line on a weather map usually represent?
A warm front
What are signs of heat exhaustion?
Dizziness, sweating, nausea, and weakness
What kind of weather does a hurricane bring?
High winds, heavy rain, and flooding
If someone is struck by lightning, what’s the first aid step?
Check scene, call for help, assess scene, check pulse/breathing, Respond if necessary and safe. (Hurry Case)
When planning a multi-day trek, how can you use topographic maps and microclimate knowledge to choose the safest campsite in changing weather conditions?
Pick high-ground sites above flood zones, away from lone trees and ridgelines (lightning/wind exposure), and note valleys that trap cold air; use topo maps to predict drainage and wind shelter.
What tool measures air pressure to help predict weather?
A barometer
What is the “30-30 rule” for lightning?
If thunder follows lightning in 30 seconds, seek shelter for 30 minutes
What is a derecho?
A long, intense line of windstorms associated with fast-moving thunderstorms
During a backcountry lightning storm with no shelter, what’s the safest procedure for your patrol, and why?
Spread out (20+ ft apart) in a low area away from trees, crouch on the balls of your feet with heels touching, minimize ground contact — reduces chance of a ground current or multiple strikes.