Extreme weather and natural disasters are of concern to everyone, but especially to nomads. The reason for this is that nomads tend to live closer to the land or nature and are inherently more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
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Weather Safety for Nomads
One truth of boondocking is that we who practice this primitive style of camping live closer to the land and to nature. Living in a hard-sided vehicle may be a step removed from those who primitive camp in a tent, but it is still considerably closer to the land than living in a house or apartment inside a heavily built-up environment like a city or suburb.
As a result of living close to nature, boondocking nomads tend to be very much attuned weather conditions like temperature, wind, precipitation, and major events like natural disasters. These severe weather events are not to be taken for granted. Extreme weather can and does wreak havoc on anyone or anything in its path.
Nomads do tend to be more vulnerable to extreme weather than those who live more traditionally in a house or apartment. On the other hand, some of the more scary natural disasters may be less threatening for nomads because it is so easy to relocate on a moment’s notice.
Some examples of extreme weather that may be of concern to nomads include:
- Severe heat or cold
- Snow and ice
- High wind
- Hail storms
- Heavy rain
There are steps that nomads can take to protect themselves and their property from extreme weather and natural disasters. I think these steps can broadly be categorized as knowledge and preparedness.
Knowledge (Knowledge is Power)
Being aware of where you are and the potential weather developments allows you time to act.
- Note road conditions on the way to any campsite or off-road destination
- Smartphone weather apps allow you to easily check the forecast, receive weather alerts, and see radar weather information (assuming you have data access)
- A weather radio may allow you to access reliable information even without cell coverage (assuming you are in range)
- A portable weather station or weather tools like a barometer and thermometer allow you to access important weather data without a data connection
- You can also study weather and learn to read the clouds, wind, etc. to always be informed regardless of access to a data connection
Preparedness (Be Prepared)
- Be ready to break camp and leave quickly (optional, but my opinion)
- Park in such a way that you are able to drive away quickly (optional, but my opinion)
- Know the route to safe ground (pavement, gravel, town)
- Always have at least 1/2 tank of fuel in your vehicle in case of an emergency situation
- Always reserve at least a few days of water, food, and essentials like medication in case of an emergency
Summary
Summary
The keys to staying safe in severe weather or natural disasters: Knowledge and Preparedness
Knowledge – Know where you are, what the conditions are, and how to access accurate info as necessary
Preparedness – Be ready to leave if necessary, know your route to safety, and always have fuel, food, water, and essentials
Listener Questions
I always answer listener questions from the previous episode. This week I answered two questions from Episode 4.
“Looking forward to your video on plotting out your route as best you can. Maybe do one on how you stay up with anticipating weather or natural disasters?” – Diedra
“What’s the difference between a podcast and a vlog and a YouTube video?” – Crystal
Nomad News
I was saddened this week to learn that Paul Winer, “the naked bookseller” in Quartzsite, Arizona has passed away after a lengthy illness.