Hot
Climate Camping
Camping can be lots of fun, no matter
where you choose to camp. If you do not normally live in a hot
climate and plan a camping trip there, prepare for more than just
hot weather. Weather is only one thing you must know about to
be safe and comfortable -- whether you are base camping, backpacking,
or primitive camping.
Hot climate camping sites are
in usually in semi-tropical and tropical locations. Florida, Southern
Texas, the Gulf Coast regions and, during the summer months any
location in the Deep South, all have hot climates. It’s
not uncommon for daytime temperatures to reach more than 100 degrees
Fahrenheit with night temperatures dropping only into the 90's.In
fact, the heat index soars even higher than thermometer readings.
101 degrees could feel as if it is 110 degrees! This is because
the air is so humid that perspiration does not evaporate to cool
the body as well as in less humid areas.
Plan your hot climate camping
trip so you take part in strenuous activities during the early
morning and after sunset, avoiding the hottest portion of the
day. During the hottest daytime hours, relax in shady areas, spend
time swimming, and other cooling activities, or plan activities
that will involve time inside air conditioned buildings. Plan
to visit museums, shops, restaurants, and other attractions in
the region that provide indoor cooling during the middle of the
day, allowing you to keep cool.
Whether you relax at your camp
or take part in activities during the hottest portion of the day,
always be sure to avoid becoming dehydrated. Before and during
activities, drink plenty of water. Learn about heat stroke and
watch for any signs of possible heat stroke such as flushed complexion,
not urinating as often, feeling weak, or fainting. If heat stoke
occurs, get immediate emergency medical help. If you do not get
help quickly, the condition could result in death.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is another concern
when hot climate camping. Semi-tropical and tropical climates
have such intense sunshine that you can sunburn in minutes, especially
if you have a fair complexion. Even if you tan easily, you can
still burn in the direct sun, which is more intense in hot climates.
Always use a strong sunscreen. Cover yourself and your children
with water-resistant sunscreen well before going out into the
sunshine. Be aware the sun can burn even through some clothing,
so apply the sunscreen to your whole body, not just your face,
arms and legs. Use an SPF factor of 30 or more; SPF 45 is even
better. The higher the SPF number, the more fun in the sun you
can enjoy without burning. Apply sunscreen again after taking
dips in the water or after perspiring. Even if you do not feel
as if you need to, it is important to apply more sunscreen every
two hours while in the outdoors.
Do not believe the myth that a
cloudy sky will prevent sunburn! The ultraviolet rays of the sun
come through the clouds and burn tender skin. Use sunscreen even
when the sun is not directly shining on you. Too many hot climate
campers believe a cloudy day will provide all the protection they
need to prevent burning but they find out the truth by ending
up with serious, painful sunburn.
Insects and Wildlife
Insects and native wildlife in
the area where you plan hot climate camping can also be concerns.
Mosquitoes can carry West Nile
Virus, especially in woody or swampy areas. Other stinging insects
are common in hot weather climates; ants, including fire ants,
should be watched for closely. Spiders and snakes are common as
well. Read about the area where you plan to camp so you will know
what creatures to watch for and avoid.
Before setting up camp, check
the area where you will be pitching your tent for any pests, especially
snakes hiding in grasses and wooded areas. Use insect repellant
to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and stinging insects. Include
insect repellant candles in your camping supplies. These not only
protect you from pests but make great light sources too. There
are other handy, portable insect repellant devices you may want
to bring along such as battery-operated "bug zappers'.”
Be sure to close your tent or
sleeping area securely at night so you do not wake up with unwelcome
visitors such as insects. Protect your food and supplies from
insects and wildlife by storing it where these critters cannot
get to it.
Foods
Depending on your camping equipment,
you’ll probably need to pick your food supplies carefully.
Foods that can be kept at room temperature will spoil quickly
in hot climates. Raw and cooked food must be stored in coolers
or other well-sealed places where it will stay chilled and be
safe for eating later. Seafood, meat products and anything containing
eggs must be protected from the heat. While in a cooler climate,
you might leave a cake that includes eggs in the recipe out of
the refrigerator for days; this is not safe to do in hot climates.
Be sure to have plenty of coolers or other ways to protect your
foods from spoiling. Do not take the chance of ruining your camping
trip by getting food poisoning.
Activities
If you plan water sports during
your hot climate camping, you must have flotation devices, commonly
called life preservers or life jackets. Not only are these needed
for your personal safety but they are required by law. Waterskiing,
boating, canoeing, and even swimming in areas with tidal undertows
means that safety must come first. In most areas the law demands
the use of flotation devices, especially for children. If you
are renting water equipment, the business where you rent the equipment
may provide these devices, but check before you arrive because
you may need to bring your own or buy them before you begin enjoying
you favorite water sports.
Weather
Thunderstorms can appear in semi-tropical
and tropical climates with amazing speed. Lightning strikes kill
many people each year during such storms. Never stay on the beach,
lake or river shore or on the water when a thunderstorm is on
the horizon. Don’t sit under trees or other tall objects.
Find a safe, indoor shelter until the storm passes. When you hear
the first clap of thunder, get to shelter; don’t wait for
the rain to arrive because lightning can strike before it even
begins to rain.
Tropical storms can affect your
camping site if you’re along the sea shore in hot climate.
Be sure to carry a battery-operated radio along on your camping
trip and keep up-to-date on news and weather. If law enforcement
authorities advise evacuation of your camping area, follow their
instructions. Pack your gear and leave right away. A tropical
storm or hurricane, even a weak one, is not something to "ride
out" at a camp site of any kind. Strong winds, tornadoes,
rising storm surges, and flying debris can be deadly. Get out
quickly and locate safe shelter away from the shore line. The
local authorities can tell you the best route for leaving the
area.
Plan your hot climate camping
trip carefully and you will have a great experience, safe return
home, and fabulous memories to share with your friends and family.
If you fail to plan well, you
might go home with painful sunburns, itchy bug bites, a bad case
of food poisoning, and horrible memories.
Use this advice to help enjoy
a great hot climate camping experience, and stay away from camping
disasters.
Contributed By Nora
Caterino
To find out how to be better prepared
for your next trip from
start to finish, get your expert advice from the camping guide
"The
Complete Beginner's
Guide To Getting Started With Comfortable Tent Camping In 12 Easy
Steps"
