Rain Safety Tips

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1 Driving
2 Walking in the rain
3 At home in the rain
4 Rain Camping tips
5 Sources/Reference
6 Authors

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Driving

Drive slower, and give yourself extra space between cars.
Rain cuts down on visibility, and increases stopping time considerably.
According to the UK website, www.hintsandthings.co.uk, braking distance can be calculated as "x 20 + x = Overall stopping distance in feet x = speed." It takes approximately 245 feet to stop if you are traveling at 70 miles an hour.
In wet conditions these braking distances could be doubled depending on the amount of water on the road.
The faster you are traveling, the greater the distance it takes to stop the vehicle and the greater distance the car travels before you react in time to hazards.
Roads become far more slippery in rain, and cars can hydroplane over puddles, and across lanes if they hit a puddle at the right speed. Watch cars beside you for signs of this.
Reduced visibility makes pedestrians, and other smaller vehicles nearly invisible. They also may dart through traffic more, as they are in a hurry to get out of the rain. Keep a close look out for these hazards.
Some areas require headlights to be turned on in the rain. This is also a good idea in remote areas, where other drivers may not expect another car.
Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order, so you can see better through the rain.
Make sure your tires have at least 1/8 inch of tread on them.
Make sure your shocks are in good working order.
If buying a new car, ensure that it has ABS braking, which handles better in the rain.
If your area has a heavy rainy season, or is constantly raining, consider tires with directional treads. These wick water away from the surface in contact with the road, reducing skids and hydroplanes.

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Walking in the rain

Select a bright colored water proof jacket. It is best if it goes at least down to your knees.
Wear good boots, with high ankles.
Wear wollen socks. They stay warmer even if wet.
Wear thick pants to keep your legs dry.
Bring an umbrella.
Walk quickly, but use pedestrian walkways. Look out for cars that cannot stop in time, especially in areas with poor signs.
Wring out wet articles of clothing during dry spots.

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At home in the rain

There can be thunderstorms, and power surges.
Avoid using lots of electronic devices, as thunder storms can damage them.
Use electronics with batteries, rather than ones plugged into the main for most activities.
Check around the house for leaks.

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Rain Camping tips

Make sure your tent has proven itself rain-worthy. If the tent is new, hose it down in the backyard several days before your trip and crawl inside to check for leaks. Let the kids help, if they'd like! Allow the tent to dry thoroughly and then apply seam sealer to the leaky areas you discovered.
Check the "lay of the land" for any dry streambeds or evidence of previous runoff, and do not pitch your tent(s) anywhere near these areas. Try to find as level a campsite as possible; if a tent pad is provided, use it!
Bring a shovel. Starting uphill, dig trenches extending around and beyond the tent to help channel rain water away.
Use a ground cloth beneath your tent, but make sure none of the material sticks out from underneath once the tent is pitched-- any excess will serve to channel rainwater directly under your tent.
Rig tarps over the living areas of your campsite--tent(s) and picnic table--to provide protection from rain and sun.
Use an air mattress to lift your sleeping bag off the floor of the tent, and protect it from rain water.
Put a trash bag on the bottom of your sleeping bag in case there are leaks in the tent.
Bring a sponge to mop up water or other spills inside the tent.
Stow items you will need for the evening/next morning (spare clothing, extra flashlight, etc.) in the tent so no one has to make a mad dash to get them when the rain hits. Store everything in resealable plastic bags (ZipLock) or some other waterproof container.
Do not leave anything touching the sides of the tent overnight, as this can help allow water inside.
Bring "rainy day" indoor games, such as a deck of cards, boardgames, and books, for the kids to play when weather confines activities to inside the tent.
If it rains while setting up, try getting a tarp up, and pitching a tent under that, or make preparations to sleep in the car.
If there is a risk of lighting, a copper wire around the tent can protect it. Most cars are safe from lighting already.

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