Natural disasters may not be under our control, but we can always weather the strongest storm if we arm ourselves with knowledge and skills. Whether you’re camping with a group or not, preparing for the worst situations can help you survive even the most extreme weather conditions. In this edition, we have prepared a guide to surviving avalanches when you are on your trails.
What you need to know about landslides and avalanches
Surviving landslides and avalanches is never as easy as it seems. Moving at speeds that can reach up to 80 mph, avalanches can put your life in danger in the blink of an eye. In addition to dirt and snow falling downhill, sharp rocks and debris can also fall downhill, sweeping away everything in their path.
In fact, these natural calamities are deadly. In the worst case, he can be buried alive in the ground. Basically, the best way to survive an avalanche or landslide is to not camp in the event of a potential threat. Before you pack your bags, check weather reports and ask local rangers about the likelihood of a landslide or avalanche. If the weather is bad, reschedule your camping plans.
Survive avalanches and landslides
With early preparation and awareness, survival doesn’t have to be a million light years away. Remember, as a camper, getting out of your campsite alive should never be just an option. If you are caught in a landslide or avalanche, here are some of the things you should do:
- Choose your campsite wisely: Before you go camping, study your location and identify the most ideal places to camp. Never camp near the bottom of a hill or a steep slope. Also, don’t pitch your tent near the edges of the top of a slope.
- Stay away from the center of a slope: An avalanche normally moves toward the center of a slope as it moves downhill. Therefore, when hiking, always stay away from the center of the slope so that you can increase your chances of surviving landslides and avalanches.
- Hold on to a tree: Since avalanches can move at maximum speeds, running away would not be a good decision. Instead, find a large tree and grab its branches.
- Swimming uphill: In the event you are caught in an avalanche, swim uphill so you don’t get buried deep in soil, snow, and debris. Row as hard as you can and do your best to keep your head above the ground.
- Keep calm: If you can’t keep your head off the ground, stay calm and put your hand over your mouth. This will give you enough room to breathe. Relax and do deep breathing exercises.
- Feature any item: If you are unable to move your head or body, pull a tree branch or small piece of wood off the ground so that the rescue team can locate you immediately.
Surviving avalanches and landslides is not child’s play. However, if you have the will to survive, no calamity can keep you underground.
