Hurricane Prep for RVers

Living in an RV offers the freedom to leave in the event of a hurricane but some storms are sudden and advanced preparation is critical to help evacuate quickly or batten down the hatches to ride out the storm. A few simple precautions and steps will make life much easier when the winds hit the shores and the storm hits land. If you camp in hurricane risk areas frequently, check your RV insurance plan and opt for a plan that covers hurricane damage.

Waterproof the Important Things

Important documents and valuable items are best kept in waterproof storage, especially during vulnerable hurricane season months. A waterproof and fireproof safe is a good idea but even waterproof document holders will suffice. A big storm is often associated with water damage and keeping all of your records in order and protected will make life easier down the road.

Plan Your Escape

Storms can hit quickly and knowing your evacuation routes ahead of time is prudent. Choose campsites on high ground if possible to avoid water and draw out your evacuation drive. Consider saving the route to your cell phone permanently as road signs and other directions may disappear during the storm. Practice driving the routes a few times during normal conditions as well. When the time comes, you will be prepared to make a quick exit.

Evacuating in an RV is not always simple. Awnings, loose items and hookups complicate matters. In the event of a sudden evacuation, you may need to leave in a regular vehicle. Ideally, you will have a few days or at the least, a few hours to disconnect and hit the road. Empty your black tank if a storm warning is in effect and disconnect from sewer in advance. If an evacuation notice is ordered, you can simply unplug and remove the water line.

Loose items and awnings are another consideration. In a worst case scenario, you can put away the awning quickly and leave the barbecue and lawn chairs behind. If time allows, put them away but make sure everything is strapped down. Driving through the edge of a hurricane comes with serious winds that can knock loose items that are not properly secured. Ideally, you will have time to secure everything and hit the road without a major rush. Homeowners are faced with a different challenge and cannot drive away from the danger.

Emergency Kits and Supplies

Your emergency kit is critical during a storm, especially when an evacuation is not ordered and the storm is weathered on the ground. Every RV should have a quality first aid kit with bandages, disinfectant and tape. Flashlights, headlamps and extra batteries are also useful as the power can go out for days. Many locals even use oil lamps as they are efficient and light an RV sized space nicely. Keep a stash of candles as well. They are great as a last resort or to simply add a nice ambiance after dark.

Store extra gasoline for your generator and use it sparingly. Run the air conditioner only when absolutely needed and preserve the gas for as long as possible. Fill up on propane gas in advance of the storm to keep the refrigerator running as well. The nice thing about an RV is the natural setup for off-grid living. The 3-way refrigerator and generator can power the entire RV through a storm.

Water is critical during a storm and waiting to stock up is a mistake. Fill your holding tank and store plenty of extra drinking water. Enough water to last for a full week at a minimum is a good rule of thumb. Dry foods for a week will also come in handy. Granola, pasta and canned foods are easy to prepare and they will not spoil. Eat through your fresh foods during the first several days and work into the dry food stores as necessary.

Take a Roadtrip

If a hurricane warning is announced and you have plenty of time to prepare, consider simply playing it safe and take a roadtrip inland. Pack up for a week or so of travel, strap everything down and plan a nice route that is far removed from the hurricane impact zone. Use the storm warning as a call to visit a few new places while avoiding the chaos and potential danger. If the hurricane misses or falls short of the predictions, you still win with a nice road trip while having your RV space waiting for the return.