How to Prepare an RV for a Hurricane
Living in a hurricane-prone area or traveling to one in an RV, means preparing for a potential storm. It's not advisable to ride out any hurricane in a recreational vehicle, but you can prepare it for approaching storms. Your priority should be keeping your family safe and moving them into a storm shelter or nearby family and friend's homes. You will prepare your RV as you would your house with subtle differences. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Swampy and low-lying areas are susceptible to flooding during a hurricane. Check the terrain your RV sits on. If you live in a flat, swampy area not far from the ocean, you might be susceptible to flooding and storm surge.
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Stock a first-aid kit among your emergency supplies. Stock an emergency kit filled with water, non-perishable foods, first-aid kit and medications. Place sleeping bags and blankets into waterproof bags to protect them from moisture. Place all car documents as well as personal identification into waterproof bags and keep them with you.
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Check your tires and make sure your vehicle is in good condition. Check your RV's condition. Make sure the mobile home has enough fuel and check the tires for their condition, especially if you decide to evacuate in your RV. Check for any cracks in the windshield and windows and have them repaired.
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Turn your RV so the wind blows over the rear of the vehicle. Place your RV so that the wind will blow over the least amount of your vehicle as possible. Turn your vehicle so the initial wind blows to the rear of the RV, protecting the windshield. Remember, if the eye passes over, the wind will blow from the opposite direction when the storms restarts.
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Bury junk tires to help anchor your RV in place. Anchor your RV in place using buried junk tires. You can also purchase straps that attach to anchors buried into the ground, especially useful if you are traveling. Bury the tires wrapped in nylon rope, at least two feet into the earth. Attach a hook to the buried tire, then wrap the RV in ratchet strap and pull it down at least three to four inches.
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Remove branches that could fall on your RV. Secure all loose items inside the trailer to prevent them blowing around. Remove branches that could fall on the home. If staying put, empty the holding tanks and turn off the propane cylinders. Cover all vents and air conditioning units.
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Board your windows with plywood before a hurricane hits. Board up your windows with plywood. Have a stock handy long before a storm approaches. If you stay in your home, it's best to take refuge in your bathroom if everyone can fit.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, move your RV further inland or park in friends or family's driveway away from the ocean.
Never ride out a category-three or greater hurricane in an RV.
Let people know where you are located in case of emergencies.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit furacao image by god85 from Fotolia.com swamp landscape image by Caroline Henri from Fotolia.com aid compact kit image by anders tanger from Fotolia.com line of tires image by ashotoflife from Fotolia.com camping-car 034 image by Jacques Ribieff from Fotolia.com Lots old tire-covers, may be used as background image by Roman Sigaev from Fotolia.com Branches image by JonRiver from Fotolia.com construction ,measuring image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Why would you empty all the tanks and lighten the RV? If anything, you'd fill the freshwater tank if you are staying in it. I can see dumping black. Obviously mostly full tanks aren't good, but empty is questionable. You wouldn't be washing dishes and clothes, taking lots of showers during a hurrcane, you'd be using water sparingly.
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Hope & pray those in the storm area will drive inland while they still have time.
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very helpful
