When Extreme Weather Strikes, Will Your RV be Ready?
We’ve had our fair share of extreme weather recently, and it got us wondering if our customers are being smart and safe out there in their RVs. Preparing for a storm while RVing isn’t quite the same as closing all the windows in your house. That’s why Allan Dale Trailers & RVs has provided some tips for camping in extreme weather. Even if your trailer’s sitting out in your driveway, you might learn something new that’ll keep you and your family safe.
If you have additional questions, stop by our locations in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, for more information.
Check the Forecast and News Alerts
Always keep an eye on the weather. The more time you have to prepare, the better your chances are of weathering the storm with minimal damage. If the storm is severe enough, you’ll probably hear plenty of news alerts about it, or you might receive a breaking news notification that can warn you of a sudden threat closing in and prevent you from being caught off guard.
Your Emergency Plan
Even if there’s no impending threat, you’ll want to spend some time creating an emergency plan. This should include all the steps you’ll need to take the moment you realize you might have a problem on your hands.
Your emergency plan needs to include specific jobs for everyone in your camping party to do in order to prepare for the storm, such as pulling in all outdoor furniture and checking to make sure the pets are accounted for. The plan also needs to include an evacuation strategy that accounts for what to do if you need to leave entirely (and quickly).
Understanding the RV Risk
It’s important to acknowledge that many experts would not recommend staying in an RV if severe weather rolls in. This is especially true for high winds, as it’s easy to tip over a camper. Believe it or not, in certain situations, your commuter vehicle will be safer, so keep in mind that there might be situations in which abandoning your RV is the best option.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you arrive at your campsite, take note of all the storm hazards near you. Look for low-hanging branches or weak trees that could fall on your RV’s roof, or even power lines running through the camp. Know where the nearest exit is and familiarize yourself with the campgrounds emergency protocol, if they have one.
Preparing Your RV
When you’re trying to leave as soon as possible, the last thing you want is to have your RV fail and add even more stress to the situation. Make sure your camper is up-to-date on its service checks and keep the emergency tool kit stocked, including a spare tire. If you have a motorized vehicle, gas up before the storm hits and traffic backs up the fill stations. Address any compromised parts early on, so if you need a professional’s help, there’s less concern about whether you’ll be able to locate someone to help you.
Build an Emergency Kit
Speaking of emergency kits, you’ll want one for you and your family as well. This should include the following:
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
- Emergency blankets
- 2 weeks of food and water
- Signaling tools
These items and anything else that will help in an emergency should be stocked and ready in your camper or commuter vehicle.
Bonus Tip: Insurance Check!
This one can be easy to forget about but is an essential step to weathering the storm. Touch base with your insurance provider to find out what is covered and negotiate for more coverage if you need it.
Our final tip is to be flexible. The weather can often be unpredictable and you might need to change up your emergency kit or adjust your evacuation route on the fly. With the right planning, preparation, and mindset, you can be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you. And if you need additional tips, or if you’d like to check out our inventory of RVs, stop by Allan Dale Trailers & RVs and let one of our experienced staff know how we can help you. We serve all of Alberta, including Red Deer and Edmonton.