Weather Emergency Preparation Tips for RVers

LOCATE SHELTER

Our first severe weather tip is to know where storm shelters are located either before you arrive at or immediately after you park your RV. At campgrounds and RV parks, they usually are inside brick and mortar bath houses or community rooms.

However, if you’re on the road traveling in your RV, the best thing you can do is get off the road immediately and safely. Try to head in the direction away from the storm if possible. Find a safe exit and place to park to wait out the storm. 

Remember, if there is flying debris from high wind, you may encounter road debris that may puncture your tires or damage your RV or vehicle. Also be aware of low lying flood zones. It would be wise to seek high ground should the local weather broadcast warn of flash flooding.

If you’re trying to find a safe location to park your RV, try to find a large brick and mortar building. Parking on the leeward side (on or toward the side sheltered from the wind) will help protect your motorhome or camper from the wind and blowing debris.

TUNE INTO LOCAL WEATHER BROADCASTS

Should inclement severe weather or hurricane be approaching, it’s wise to tune into local weather broadcasts on your television, radio or smartphone weather app.

Read more: 8 Most Popular Weather Apps for RV Travelers

STOW ALL OUTDOOR GEAR

I say this boldly because our RV fell victim to wind damage in Kentucky several years prior. Another camper’s dining canopy tent ended up puncturing a hole into our RV sidewall. But more damage ensued when torrential rains force water inside our RV causing water damage.

So, please, stow all of your camp chairs, tiki torches, coolers, camp stove, grill, fire pit, tables, tents and canopies and any other outdoor RV gear that may become projectiles. Even those who are seasonal campers, you’ll need to stow your potted plants as well.

SECURE RV UTILITIES  & PULL IN SLIDE-OUTS

In the event that you need to evacuate your RV, we recommend disconnecting your electric power cord from the pedestal. Also, shut off, disconnect and stow your water and sewer hose as if you were packing up to leave. Pull in your RV slide-outs and put your television antenna down. You’ll also want to stow your satellite dish if you have one. And don’t forget to secure your RV steps.

For insurance purposes, take a photo of your RV parked at your campsite or location showing the condition before the storm.

PREPARE TO EVACUATE

Anytime you are called to evacuate your RV, it’s imperative to be prepared. Having your evacuation bug out bag or Emergency Go Bag should be at the top your list of must-dos.

Necessary and lifesaving items should be collected and packed immediately. Don’t forget to include important documents like your insurance policies, health information, and identification.

Pack your Emergency Go Bag accordingly to fit you or your family’s needs (i.e. baby items, medical supplies, pets, etc.). Oh, and don’t forget your RV keys so you can get back in after the storm.

It’s also necessary for you to have your getaway vehicle full of fuel and stocked with essential roadside emergency gear should you need to pull over for severe weather safety or breakdown. Also, it would be a good idea to know exactly where your first aid kit is. 

Lastly, we highly recommend everyone in your camping party to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes before evacuating your RV. Leave the flip flops and sandals at home or in your RV. In the event of severe weather, you may have to deal with stepping through murky water or over storm debris.

Now, it’s time to evacuate. Make sure you have all of your emergency items with you, kids and pets have their supplies and head to a storm shelter.

Helpful Severe Weather Emergency Preparation Timelines

We put together two different timelines with added measures to prepare for any severe weather. 

• • • Evaluate your surroundings immediately.
    • Tune into local weather broadcasting stations.
    • Pack your Emergency Go Bag.
    • Have shoes, jackets or rain gear readily available.
    • Stow all outdoor camping gear (i.e. camp chairs, tables, grill, fire pit, etc.)
    • Contact family or friends back home to let them know where you are or where you are headed.
    • Charge all cellphones, electronic devices and battery bank.
    • Refuel all vehicles.
    • Withdraw $$ from an ATM.
    • Pack extra water in your vehicle.
    • Pack a snack bag with nonperishable items (granola bars, protein snacks, peanut butter packs, tuna packs, etc.).
    • Secure your propane.
    • Seek higher ground if you’re near a river, ocean, washes or flash flood area.
    • Stay Calm

If you have less than 1 hour notice of impending severe weather or storm:

You and your family need to seek shelter immediately upon hearing local emergency sirens or when the weather professionals instruct you to do so. Do NOT remain in your RV or camper during a severe weather emergency! An RV is the worst place to be in a tornado, hurricane, flood, straight-line winds or any other severe weather.

That’s a wrap on our weather emergency tips

I hope all these tips will help you and your family while traveling or camping in your RV. 

Being aware and prepared should always be your number one priority when it comes to severe weather; especially when camping or living in an RV. Always expect the unexpected. 

Remember, your RV motorhome or camper along with all of your belongings can be replaced. However, you and your family cannot. Please be safe!