How To Stay Safe When Camping During a Heat Wave

How hot it gets is only part of the problem.

This summer, a global heatwave has much of the northern hemisphere in its grip. Airport runways are melting and lifting in the UK. Meanwhile, New Mexico hit a wildfire record before its wildfire season even officially began. Needless to say, camping during the summer is not for the faint of heart. For prepared and adventurous travelers, however, it's a wonderful challenge to take on.

So, what can you do to stay safe when camping during a heat wave? Let's take a closer look.

Identify the Hazards Caused by Heat Waves

Most people worry about the high temperatures and how their bodies will respond. But, heat waves affect more than just people. Other animals can also begin to act strangely. For example, during one heat wave in Nevada and California, the bees became more aggressive as they searched for water. This caused closures in Joshua Tree National Park in July 2020.

Heat waves can also cause the land to become more susceptible to fire. One spark and the entire thing could go up in flames. You might take every fire safety precaution in the book, but there's no accounting for the potential idiots in the park who do not.

Remember that the existence of hazards doesn't mean you can't go camping. It does mean you should have plans in place to address those hazards.

Find Out How To Stay Cool During a Heat Wave