Severe weather shouldn’t be taken lightly in a recreational vehicle. If placed in a situation to evacuate your RV – either from a weather alert warning or a mandatory evacuation order – there are a few basic things to keep in a central location where they can be accessed quickly.
Personal identification
Emergency and contact information
All monies
Medicines needed
Eyeglasses or hearing aids
Insurance papers
Camera
Cell phone, charger and spare batteries
Flash/thumb drives with important files or photos
Computer with wireless access (notebook, tablet)
Two days clothing
First aid and toiletry kits
Flashlights
Battery operated radio
Spare batteries
Bottled water
Energy bars or snacks
Canned meat/fruit
Pet food
Pet medication
If you know you are going into an area that has a history of hurricanes, tornadoes or other severe weather, you should consider putting some emergency items in a plastic tote ahead of time – like flashlights and batteries. Make up a list (laminate and tape inside one of your RV cabinets) of items to grab in the event of an emergency evacuation. Have some canvas bags or backpacks handy for each family member to quickly place additional or last moment evacuation items in.
If you are asked by authorities to evacuate – do it! They know more about the current situation or conditions than you do.
WIND STORMS
Wind storms are not to be taken lightly in a RV. The damage from a storm can leave your area isolated for long periods, especially since most campground locations are outside main power grids. Preparation should be taken as soon as weather advisories go into effect.
Monitor weather alerts
Contact campground personal and other Campers so that everyone is advised
Discuss emergency shelter locations
Speak to other Campers about leaving as a group for the shelter if the storm worsens before hitting your area
Tie down any furniture or obstacles that could damage other campers
Put your awning up and secure it with cable snap ties, do not rely on standard awning latches
Consider putting your slides in, especially if you have double slides in the back
Fill all your propane and extra fuel tanks
Test your generator for several minutes
Purchase extra batteries for all your equipment
Check the condition of your camper battery, obtain a backup if needed
Empty your holding tanks
Gather appropriate items and a shelter bag if you do need to evacuate
Prepare non-perishable foods that can be fixed quickly and not waste propane when the power goes out
Contact family outside the area and let them know you may be without communication for a few days
If you decide to ride out the storm, keep your battery-operated radio handy. After the storm has passed and it is clear to go outside, check on your fellow Campers. Remember only to call 911 if there is a life threatening emergency, as local lines will be busy.
TORNADOES AND HURRICANES
If your area is under a severe thunderstorm warning then conditions are favorable for tornadoes and you should prepare to seek shelter. If your area is under any tornado alert, then you must seek shelter quickly. In the unfortunate circumstance that your area is under a hurricane watch or warning, then you need to prepare to evacuate. Areas under hurricane watch still receive storm bands possible of generating tornadoes. Hurricanes alerts give you several days warning. As soon as the advisories go into effect, start preparing!
Monitor weather alerts
Contact campground personal and other Campers
Discuss emergency shelter locations and evacuation routes
Speak to other Campers about leaving as a group for the local shelter
Obtain cash from the local ATM or bank as they will be shut down well before the hurricane hits
Purchase non-perishable foods that can be eaten from a can or pouch
Put your awning up and secure it with cable snap ties, do not rely on standard awning latches
Put your slides in
Anchor down any obstacles that could damage other campers
Cover up anything outside that may get damaged from the rain and winds with new tarps (not used ones, they will shred quickly)
Tape a “X” with masking tape on all your windows as debris from the hurricane-force winds can shatter windows
Fill all your propane and extra fuel tanks (do not forget to label them with your name or campsite number)
Test your generator for several minutes
Check the condition of your camper battery, obtain a backup if needed
Empty your holding tanks and fill your water tank
Contact family outside the area and let them know you will be evacuating and the name of the local shelter(s)
Gather appropriate items for your shelter stay
When the time comes, seek shelter! Material items can be replaced, lives cannot. After the storm is over and officials allow you to return, then begin to survey your damage. Many people do not realize that when there is a major power outage, gas and propane stations cannot pump without electricity. Cash is also a necessity as many stores will be cash-only until power is restored. Living in storm aftermath can be a very stressful time. Just be thankful for what you have and try to move forward.
FLOODS AND FIRES
If conditions in your area are favorable for flooding or wild fires, then you will possibly have to seek shelter quickly. Make sure you take the appropriate precautions and locate the nearest evacuation route if you are able to leave with your RV. If officials ask you to gather a few items and leave your RV, then do it. Grab your evacuation kit and follow their instructions. Do not risk your life over your RV or vehicle. Sadly, we know of Campers who have tried and lost.
SEEKING SHELTER
Spending several days in a shelter is not easy and the conditions are not always favorable. As a visitor to the area you should be respectful. It is a horrifying experience for the locals – they are worried about losing their houses and livelihoods. When the storm is over, you can move on. Please do not rely on charitable organizations for food or other items. These organizations need to focus on those who have lost everything or those who have no means to obtain food or clothing. Take responsibility for your own family and allow the organizations to help those truly in need. Most shelters do not provide you with cots, blankets or food. Be respectful and do not drag in all your camping toys. Just take basic items you need, such as a modest camping chair, sleeping bag, non-perishable food and your evacuation kit. If you go with other Campers, make arrangements to share some items to ease the burden.
My family and I have weathered hurricanes, wind storms, tornado alerts, a winter storm and the threat of wild fires in our RV. We have spent days at a shelter and lived weeks in storm aftermath. It is not always easy, yet with the proper preparation you can live to tell your own storm tales!