Turning Your Coach into a Safe Haven When Disaster Strikes
12-14-2015
By Tammy Daly
In this ever changing world, disaster can strike in many different forms. As an RV or trailer owner, you have the ultimate survival vehicle at your disposal. All it takes is some preparation to come up with a game plan and some groundwork to be ready for whatever comes your way.
Preparing the Coach
Rest and relaxation is what comes to mind when most people think about using their coach. However, when it comes to disaster preparedness, your coach will be your shelter on wheels. Next time you return from your trip, instead of closing your coach down, prepare it for emergencies. Having a few gallons of bottled water or cases of drinking water will help if your fresh water tank runs low.
Fuel-The first step is to always make sure that your fuel tanks are full. This will enable you to drive you and your loved ones miles from any disaster. Propane tanks should be filled for cooking as well.
Water Tanks-Be sure to completely fill your fresh water tank. Adding a little chlorine to your fresh water tanks will keep water useable even if your coach sits for a longer period of time. Also, make sure your black and grey tanks are emptied and cleaned out.
Power-Battery power will be mandatory when facing the uncertainty of a disaster. Have your batteries charged and your generator ready to use if needed. Adding solar power to your coach will make your safe haven more efficient and allow longer use without hook-ups. Also, it would be beneficial to have some flashlight batteries and an assortment of dry cell batteries in all sizes.
Stocking the Coach
Non-perishable food, water, and clean clothing are always the first things that come to mind when planning for disaster. However, there are other things that will prove helpful no matter what type of disaster you are dealing with. It is always smart to have a lighter as well as matches to start fires for heat and food preparation. A very well stocked First aid kit and a week supply of any over the counter or prescribed medications you may take. Check out: Putting Together Your RV First Aid Kit. Flashlights, candles, lanterns or any form of lighting in case of emergency. A map and compass are good to store in your RV in case the internet is down. Jackets and warm clothes should be kept in air tight packaging in case of extreme weather conditions. Anything that you cannot live without should be stocked in your coach at all times.
The thing to remember when making your disaster plan is that you can never be over prepared. When you are out shopping and come across a sale, stock up and fill your coach. If you buy a new set of pots and pans, put the old ones in your coach. Discuss your emergency plan with your family and have a set list of actions to follow in case evacuation is necessary. I would also recommend a set meeting place in case you are separated or are not together when the emergency occurs. The moral of the story is, be prepared…no be OVER prepared. Happy trails!
In this ever changing world, disaster can strike in many different forms. As an RV or trailer owner, you have the ultimate survival vehicle at your disposal. All it takes is some preparation to come up with a game plan and some groundwork to be ready for whatever comes your way.
Preparing the Coach
Rest and relaxation is what comes to mind when most people think about using their coach. However, when it comes to disaster preparedness, your coach will be your shelter on wheels. Next time you return from your trip, instead of closing your coach down, prepare it for emergencies. Having a few gallons of bottled water or cases of drinking water will help if your fresh water tank runs low.
Fuel-The first step is to always make sure that your fuel tanks are full. This will enable you to drive you and your loved ones miles from any disaster. Propane tanks should be filled for cooking as well.
Water Tanks-Be sure to completely fill your fresh water tank. Adding a little chlorine to your fresh water tanks will keep water useable even if your coach sits for a longer period of time. Also, make sure your black and grey tanks are emptied and cleaned out.
Power-Battery power will be mandatory when facing the uncertainty of a disaster. Have your batteries charged and your generator ready to use if needed. Adding solar power to your coach will make your safe haven more efficient and allow longer use without hook-ups. Also, it would be beneficial to have some flashlight batteries and an assortment of dry cell batteries in all sizes.
Stocking the Coach
Non-perishable food, water, and clean clothing are always the first things that come to mind when planning for disaster. However, there are other things that will prove helpful no matter what type of disaster you are dealing with. It is always smart to have a lighter as well as matches to start fires for heat and food preparation. A very well stocked First aid kit and a week supply of any over the counter or prescribed medications you may take. Check out: Putting Together Your RV First Aid Kit. Flashlights, candles, lanterns or any form of lighting in case of emergency. A map and compass are good to store in your RV in case the internet is down. Jackets and warm clothes should be kept in air tight packaging in case of extreme weather conditions. Anything that you cannot live without should be stocked in your coach at all times.
The thing to remember when making your disaster plan is that you can never be over prepared. When you are out shopping and come across a sale, stock up and fill your coach. If you buy a new set of pots and pans, put the old ones in your coach. Discuss your emergency plan with your family and have a set list of actions to follow in case evacuation is necessary. I would also recommend a set meeting place in case you are separated or are not together when the emergency occurs. The moral of the story is, be prepared…no be OVER prepared. Happy trails!
Comment
No comments found! Be the first one to write a comment!
Author: Tammy Daly
