Living in an RV can pose anxious moments in the event of inclement weather. If you’re driving on the road, it’s best to find a safe exit and place to park to wait it out. Anytime you park at a new campground or RV park, its a good idea to locate your closest storm shelter, have an evacuation plan and be able to act on it immediately.
Since we’ve been full-timing, we’ve had to evacuate Liberty numerous times. We credit our military backgrounds for being prepared and knowing our emergency preparedness. When RVing or camping, we strongly recommend everyone to ‘ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN OF ACTION’.
WATCH OR WARNING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
When the weather media posts ‘Watch’ (i.e. Tornado Watch, Storm Watch), its smart to get your GO BAG out, have jackets ready and put your shoes on (not flip flops!). When the weather media posts ‘Warning’ (ie. Tornado Warning, Storm Warning), sirens may sound off. Immediately relocate your family and your pets to the nearest storm shelter. At campgrounds and RV parks, they usually are inside bath houses and community rooms.
Storms can pop up and escalate quickly and can catch you and your family off guard if you’re not prepared.
STAGES OF WEATHER:
WEATHER OUTLOOK: issued when hazardous weather event is ‘possible’ in the next week. Outlooks are intended to raise awareness of potential for significant weather that could threaten life or property.
WEATHER ADVISORY: Issued when hazardous weather event will be occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could threaten life or property.
WEATHER WATCH: Issued when the risk of hazardous weather event has increased significantly but it’s occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. A Watch means that hazardous weather is possible. You should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens. You should listen for information and possible warnings especially when planning travel or outdoor activities.
WEATHER WARNING: Issued when a hazardous weather event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action.
Here is a helpful step-by-step reference guide should you and your family be faced with weather emergencies.
If you have +24 hours notice of impending detrimental weather or storm…
- Evaluate your surroundings immediately. Do not wait to do this.
- Keep tuned into local weather forecast stations.
- Pack your GO BAG (listed below)
- Have shoes and jackets readily available.
- Stow gear that’s outside (i.e. camp chairs, tables, grill, fire pit, etc.)
- Let your family know where you are or where you are headed.
- Charge all electronics and battery banks.
- Refuel vehicles.
- Withdraw $$ from an ATM.
- Pack extra water in your vehicle.
- Pack a snack sack.
- Seek higher ground if you’re near a river, ocean, washes or flash flood area.
If you have less than 1 hour notice of impending detrimental weather…
- KEEP CALM
- Know where the closest storm shelter is located and prepare to go.
- Keep tuned into local weather forecast stations.
- All members of your party should put sturdy shoes on. Skip the flip flops; you may return to debris fields or sites.
- Jackets should be readily available.
- GO BAG should be packed and at the door ready to go or in your vehicle.
- Portable kennels should be in your vehicle and leashes should be ready for your pets.
- Each should make quick bathroom visits.
- If you have time, secure outdoor gear.
- Walk your dog out for a potty break.
An RV is the worst place to be in a tornado, flood, or violent weather!
EVACUATION GO BAG:
-
- Identification & Drivers License(s)
- Cash (Paper and Coins)
- Important Papers & Phone Numbers (lock box)
- Prescriptions & Eyeglasses
- Bottles of water (at least 2 for each person)
- Bottles of water for pets
- Pet Food & dishes
- Pet Carriers, harnesses and leashes
- Granola bars, dried fruit and snacks
- Weather Radio
- Electronic Battery Banks & Cords for Cellphones (fully charged)
- Flashlight(s) with fresh batteries
- Insurance policy info
- Jackets and/or Rain Coats
- Emergency Blanket(s)
- First Aid Kit
Pack your GO BAG to fit your or your family’s needs accordingly (i.e. baby items, medical supplies, pets, etc.)
Awareness and preparedness should always be a priority. Always ‘expect the unexpected’ and be in tune to the channels where you are parked or traveling thorough. Your and your family’s safety is most important. Things can be replaced, people can’t.
Great stuff here, thanks! Hope your all doing well!
Very good advice thanks
Thank you for reading, Linda!
It’s so important for RVers and Campers to really pay attention to the weather because we ARE more vulnerable because of our RV size, weight and mobility. We hope you share it with your fellow RVers, Campers, Family and Friends; even to those who don’t camp or RV. Weather is serious business and can be unrelenting. Safe travels to you all!
– Dan & Lisa