For The Brookings Register
The end of summer brings ample opportunities to spend time outdoors, which may involve breaking out the tent and hitting the campsite.
While spending time outdoors is great, this also comes with …
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The end of summer brings ample opportunities to spend time outdoors, which may involve breaking out the tent and hitting the campsite.
While spending time outdoors is great, this also comes with increased exposure to potentially dangerous weather hazards such as flash flooding, lightning and excessive heat, which we have discussed previously this year. Before you and the family head to the campgrounds, identify which hazards you may be at risk for during your trip by checking the latest forecast information, and how you can mitigate those risks.
For today's discussion, I will be using the NOAA/NWS information along with data I found on www.ready.gov, the Federal Emergency Management Agency website, and the National Park Service website.
Two important items to remember when outdoors are: Use sunscreen and reapply it every two hours. There are several types of sunscreen available and you need to choose one that fits your skin complexion. The other outdoor item that is a must especially now is mosquito repellent with DEET.
With the start of school looming in the future, a lot of families will get outdoors one last time to close out the summer. Before you know it, the discussion of colder weather will be upon us. Before heading out for an outdoor adventure in a park, on lakes, rivers and the beach, make sure you do some research ahead of time. This is especially important if you’re visiting an area with different weather or climate risks you may not be used to.
It is recommended that you let someone know where you are going. That way if something happens on your trip at least your family or friends will know where to start looking for you. If you are at a park that has dedicated trails, it is recommended that you stay on them. If you venture off of an established trail, you could get lost or if you fall someone may not hear you calling for help. Another good rule is one that I learned in the military. Use the “buddy system” so that if one of you needs assistance the other can help you.
Anytime you are in the countryside you should always stay aware of your surroundings. The NPS recommends four actions:
Parks are not petting zoos. It is recommended that you use binoculars or your camera lens to observe wildlife. I shouldn’t have to say it, but you should not try to pet a buffalo. They are extremely large and fast. Also, according to the videos I have seen on social media, they can throw a human several feet in the air.
Another favorite pastime of some people is a trip to your favorite body of water. Whether it is a lake, river, pool or spa, one needs to take precautions.
Being around water can be especially dangerous for young children. Children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Drownings are 100% preventable by following these water safety tips:
Water safety tips for everyone:
Tips for boat owners and passenger safety:
Grilling safety tips:
It is always a good idea to stay weather alert when outdoors and enjoy what is left of the summer.
And as always, keep an eye on the sky.
Bob the EM.