Is It Safe to Be in a Tent During a Thunderstorm? – Here’s What You Need to Know
Last updated on August 13th, 2024 at 12:05 am
Weather changes when outdoors is a common occurrence. Within a moment’s notice, a bright and sunny day can become the complete opposite, with dark clouds looming large indicating an impending thunderstorm. The question that stands out is, is the tent a safe shelter from the storm?
No, a tent is not safe to take cover during a thunderstorm. This is major because it does not have any material to carry the electricity from its surface to the ground. Moreover, a tent is not strong enough to withstand the extremely harsh conditions of thunderstorms. So, unless it is your only option, tents are not safe during a thunderstorm.
This article covers all the reasons why tents are unsafe, as well as offers solutions and tips you can use when faced with such a situation.
Thunderstorm Safety for Tent Campers: What You Need to Know
During summertime, thunderstorms are common, and they develop within a short time that you cannot do much. For many, taking shelter in a tent is the first thought. But that should not be so.
Thunderstorms are usually accompanied by hail, wind gusts, and heavy rainfall. Many tents cannot withstand such conditions. However, if you have no other alternative, ensure you set up your tent in a spot with adequate protection such that it can stand its ground against strong winds and lightning.
Another thing is that there are high chances of being struck by lightning. Other hazards that come with thunderstorms include the likelihood of your tent being blown away and destroyed by windstorms, the heavy rainfall that may flood your tent, and the worst-case scenario that a landslide occurs on the camping ground. It is important to take into consideration all these possible occurrences in case you see a thunderstorm looming.
Tips to stay safe during a thunderstorm when camping
Stay updated on the weather
Anytime you are planning an outdoor camping trip, it is important to keep observing the weather. Weather forecasts come in handy so they update you in real-time on the expected weather in the area you will be camping.
You should also note a change in conditions and make the necessary arrangements and find a safer place in time before worse comes to worst.
Take cover
As earlier mentioned, the tent is not safe at all. If you can find a solid building nearby, that will be the best place to take cover.
Moreover, the tent does not have a metal frame that is capable of conducting electricity from lightning to the ground. Therefore, while in a tent, you can get struck by lightning.
In the event of a lightning bolt, energy is unevenly discharged through the frame of the tent to the soil and in doing so, it jumps through the isolated spots. This results in an accumulation of electric potential in the soil, creating a dangerous step voltage.
Look for alternatives to shelter
If a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning occurs in your camping area, it is vital that you keep from staying in exposed areas such as river banks, mountain crests, or hills.
However, the risk of being struck by lightning in a dense forest is slightly low. If you do not have enough time to seek shelter, pitching your tent is not an option. It would be better to weather the storm under an alpine hut or in a large cave.
Stay far from metal equipment
Any metal equipment such as carabiners, climbing irons, piolets, and hiking poles has the potential of attracting lightning. Keep them securely stored a few meters away. Cookware such as mugs, cookers, and pots also pose the same risk.
Make use of all guy lines
Experienced campers can attest to the importance of the guy lines that come with the tent. Ensure that all of them are put to use in the event of a thunderstorm. The rainfly should be set up taut and avoid contact with the inner wall.
Taut rainfly and taut guy lines go a long way in minimizing the temperature differences on the inside and outside, thereby ventilating the tent.
A tarp offers extra protection
Plastic tarps are conveniently versatile even in storms. They come in handy to give extra protection from some of the elements. When placed between the ground and the tent, tarps prevent moisture from entering the tent.
Alternatively, you can place the tarp above your tent and secure it with tree limbs so your tent does not give way in heavy rainfall.
FAQs
Final Thought
Sometimes, thunderstorms may occur when we least expect them. These can easily turn a camping trip into a fight for survival. With the knowledge that tents are not safe, it is important to take the necessary precautions to survive a storm.
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