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Preparing your RV for a hurricane is crucial for staying safe. From securing your RV to having an evacuation plan, follow these essential tips to protect yourself and your rig during a storm.
Living the RV lifestyle comes with a unique set of freedoms and challenges. One major challenge for RVers, especially those who travel or live in hurricane-prone areas, is preparing for hurricanes. RVs, while convenient and mobile, are not designed to withstand severe weather conditions, making it critical to have a plan in place before a storm hits.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential steps to take to ensure your safety and the security of your RV during hurricane season.
1. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions
The first step in hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Pay close attention to weather forecasts, especially during hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Keep these resources on hand:
Weather Apps: Download reliable weather apps like the National Weather Service, WeatherBug, or AccuWeather for real-time updates.
NOAA Weather Radio: Consider a weather radio that can alert you to severe weather warnings even if cell service is down.
Local News: Stay updated on local advisories and evacuation orders from trusted sources.
By staying vigilant, you can give yourself enough time to prepare or relocate if needed.
2. Have a Hurricane Evacuation Plan
As an RVer, mobility is your greatest advantage. But hurricanes can move quickly, so it's important to have an evacuation plan in place long before a storm threatens. Here’s what you need to do:
Know Your Route: Map out several possible evacuation routes. Keep in mind that highways can get congested during evacuations, so it’s helpful to have alternate roads in mind.
Identify Safe Locations: Locate RV parks, rest areas, or campgrounds that are inland and away from flood zones. Many places allow RVs to park during emergencies, but check in advance to make sure they’re open and available.
Fuel Up Early: Gas stations can run out of fuel quickly in the days leading up to a hurricane. Fill your gas tank as soon as a storm is predicted to be in your area.
3. Secure Your RV
If evacuating is not an option and you must shelter in place, it’s crucial to secure your RV as much as possible:
Move Inland: If you are near the coast, move your RV inland to a safer location that’s less likely to experience storm surges.
Park on High Ground: Avoid flood-prone areas and low-lying spots. Choose higher ground to minimize the risk of water damage to your RV.
Tie Down Your RV: While not common for all RVers, tying down your rig can prevent it from shifting during strong winds. Make sure to use heavy-duty anchor straps or tie-down kits.
Retract Awnings and Slide-Outs: Awnings and slide-outs are vulnerable to wind damage. Retract them completely and secure all loose items around your RV.
Cover Windows: Use RV-specific storm shutters or thick plywood to cover windows. This helps to prevent them from shattering due to flying debris.
4. Prepare Your RV for Heavy Rain and Wind
RVs aren’t built like houses, and their structure can be compromised during extreme weather. Preparing your rig to withstand heavy rain and wind is essential:
Inspect Seals and Roof: Check the seals around windows, doors, and roof vents to ensure there are no cracks or leaks. Fix any damage before the storm hits to prevent water intrusion.
Clear Gutters and Drains: Make sure that your RV’s gutters and drains are free from debris. Blocked drains can cause water to pool on your roof, leading to leaks.
Check the Roof Vent Covers: Make sure roof vent covers are securely fastened. You may want to use vent covers designed for high winds.
5. Have an Emergency Supply Kit
Prepare an emergency kit that you can grab at a moment’s notice if you need to evacuate quickly. Your kit should include:
Water: At least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.
Non-Perishable Food: Enough food for at least three days. Include items that don’t require refrigeration or cooking.
First-Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, prescription medications, and any medical supplies you or your family may need.
Flashlights and Batteries: Power outages are common during hurricanes, so pack flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries.
Battery-Powered Radio: To stay informed in case cell service is lost.
Cash and Important Documents: Keep some cash on hand as ATMs and credit card machines may not work during power outages. Also, store important documents (insurance papers, vehicle registration, etc.) in a waterproof container.
Phone Chargers and Power Banks: Keep phones charged and pack power banks for extra battery life.
6. Consider RV Insurance
Having the right RV insurance can make a big difference when it comes to hurricane preparedness. Many RV insurance policies cover damage caused by severe weather events, but it’s important to check the specifics of your plan:
Comprehensive Coverage: Make sure your policy includes comprehensive coverage for natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wind damage.
Emergency Expense Coverage: Some policies also provide emergency expense coverage, which can cover the cost of lodging or transportation if you need to evacuate.
7. Know When to Leave
When it comes to hurricanes, it’s always better to evacuate sooner rather than later. As an RVer, your mobility can help you escape dangerous weather, but that mobility also depends on roads being accessible and gas being available. If local authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it immediately and get to a safe location.
8. Understand RV Weight Limits and Towing Capacity
If you have a towable RV, be mindful of your vehicle’s towing capacity and the weight of your fully loaded RV. Overloading your RV can make it more difficult to tow in strong winds or on slippery roads during evacuations. Check your tires for proper inflation and weight distribution before heading out.
9. Prepare for Power Outages
Power outages are common during hurricanes. Even if you evacuate to a safer location, you may encounter outages. Having a generator or portable power source for your RV can keep you powered up, especially if you're relying on refrigeration for medications or food.
Generator: Make sure your generator is serviced and that you have enough fuel to run it for several days if needed.
Solar Panels: If your RV is equipped with solar panels, ensure they are functioning properly and ready to supply backup power.
10. Know RV Park Policies
If you’re staying at an RV park, it’s important to understand the park's hurricane policies. Some parks require all RVs to evacuate during mandatory evacuations, while others may allow you to stay if you feel safe doing so. Check if they have specific tie-down or security measures for RVs during storms.
11. Plan for Pets
If you travel with pets, make sure you have a plan in place for them as well. In the event of an evacuation, some shelters or hotels may not allow pets, so research pet-friendly locations ahead of time.
Pet Emergency Kit: Include food, water, leashes, medications, and copies of their medical records.
Pet-Friendly Evacuation Shelters: Locate shelters that accept pets, and have a plan to transport them safely.
12. Check Local Emergency Resources
Each area may have specific hurricane evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and services for RVers. Familiarize yourself with these resources, and have contact information for local emergency services on hand.
13. Be Aware of Flood Zones
Before settling into an RV park or campground, check whether it's in a flood-prone area. Coastal and low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surges and flash flooding. Always park in a location with higher ground if possible to minimize the risk of flood damage.
14. Prepare for Post-Storm Cleanup
Even after the storm has passed, you may encounter debris or road damage that makes travel difficult. Ensure that your RV is in good shape to navigate post-storm conditions, and keep basic repair tools handy to address minor damage like loose seals, roof repairs, or tire issues.
Here are some valuable resources that RVers can rely on during a storm:
1. Weather and Storm Tracking Apps
National Hurricane Center (NHC): Provides updates on tropical storms, hurricanes, and other severe weather events.
NOAA Weather App: Get real-time weather reports and alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Weather Channel App: Offers storm tracking and weather forecasts specific to your location.
MyRadar: A user-friendly app that shows animated weather radar with storm paths and warnings.
The Red Cross Safe & Well website allows you to register your location so friends and family can check if you’re safe during a disaster.
4. RVillage
RVillage is a social network for RVers. During emergencies, RVers can use this platform to check in, share information about safe locations, and exchange resources.
5. Campground and RV Park Information
AllStays: This app provides information on RV-friendly campgrounds, parks, and fuel stations, including whether they have availability and their storm policies. AllStays
Good Sam RV Parks and Campgrounds Directory: Offers information on RV parks and campgrounds, including those with emergency plans or pet-friendly policies.
6. State Emergency Management Websites
Each state has its own emergency management agency, which provides updates on evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and other local resources. Check your state’s emergency management website for real-time information. You can search for your state's emergency management site here: Florida
7. Local News Radio Stations
During a power outage or lack of cell service, local AM/FM radio stations are valuable for receiving storm alerts and evacuation updates. Keep a battery-powered radio in your RV to stay informed. You can find station frequencies via your local news websites or apps like TuneIn Radio.
8. CB Radio or Two-Way Radios
If cell service is down, CB radios or two-way radios can be a great way to communicate with other RVers or rescue teams in the area. Many RVers use Channel 13 for RV communication. Midland USA offers a range of these radios.
9. Waze (Navigation App)
This app provides real-time information about road closures, traffic conditions, and alternate evacuation routes. It’s useful when planning your escape route from a storm.
10. GasBuddy
GasBuddy helps RVers locate gas stations, compare fuel prices, and see which stations are open during an emergency.
11. Ready.gov
This government site provides comprehensive resources on how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters like hurricanes, including evacuation plans and emergency kits.
12. Pet-Friendly Evacuation Resources
For those traveling with pets, these sites can help you find pet-friendly shelters and hotels:
Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared, Stay Safe
Preparing for a hurricane as an RVer requires planning and staying proactive. With the right preparation, keeping informed, securing your RV, and being ready to evacuate, you can protect yourself and your vehicle from harm.
Don't wait until the last minute to make a plan. Follow these tips to ensure you're ready for any hurricane that comes your way while living the RV life.
Stay safe and travel smart!
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