Camping isn't just for warm summer nights anymore. Camping is fast becoming a year-round activity. And while camping trips are planned with hopes of good weather, severe weather is always a possibility. Before packing for your next camping trip, consider these weather facts and tips:

• Weather can change quickly and is very specific to each area.
• Severe weather can occur any time of the year and often with little warning.
  • Lightning. You are in danger of lightning if you can hear thunder. Seek shelter in an enclosed structure; if that isn't possible squat low to the ground, with feet close together and head between your knees. Maintain minimal contact with the ground and do not lie flat.
  • Tornado. In the Southern U.S. states, peak tornado season is March through May. Northern states are more likely to be hit with tornadoes during the summer. If seeking shelter during a tornado threat isn't a viable option, retreat to a ditch or other low area, get as low to the ground as possible and cover your head from possible debris. Do not seek shelter under an overpass; they act as wind tunnels during a tornado.
  • Floods. Floods and flash floods are serious threats to campers. Don't underestimate the threat of water. Never attempt to drive through standing water. Canyons are particularly prone to flash floods. Pay attention to the weather around you but also upstream. If flooding is a possibility in your camp area, immediately move to higher ground.
• Natural Hazards. Check the contour of the land and for potential trouble due to rain.
• Drought. If your campsite is in a drought, consult local authorities for campfire regulations.
• Temperature. Be mindful of extreme temperatures or sudden climate shifts. Extremely cold temperatures and winds rob heat from the body, increasing your risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Extremely hot temperatures can lead to dehydration and heat stroke.

It takes planning to handle any weather Mother Nature might throw at your camping trip. Simply following some basic tips can lead to a much more enjoyable camping experience:

• Check the weather before you leave home.
• Carry a weather radio at all times.
• Talk with campground officials to find out their severe weather action plans and policies.
• Talk to your camping group and develop a contingency plan should bad weather arise.