Here in Houston, the news media made sure we were all aware of the start of the 2011 hurricane season and my mind immediately went back to Hurricane Ike and all the preparation we did to take care of our fifth wheel and wanted to share some hints with you. We have now compiled a hurricane season checklist and always have good intentions of taking care of these items long before a storm watch or warning. First, I want to warn you that an RV should not be used as a safe haven during a storm. It is a wonderful means of transportation to exit a storm area and an even better temporary home when you return should your home be damaged or destroyed. Here are a few simple steps that could help you weather the storm a little easier.
- Determine an evacuation route now and make sure, in the event of a storm warning, that you leave early. I have heard horror stories of people trying to leave a storm area and spending 12 hours on the road to go 10 miles. Don’t let that be you.
- Stock your RV early with water, non-perishable food and enough supplies for a week.
- Keep your fuel tank and LP gas tanks filled during hurricane season to avoid long lines at the last minute.
- Check your tires and make sure they are road worthy and filled with the proper air pressure.
- Take time now to pack a fresh first aid kit in your RV
- Pack your prescription medications in a waterproof bag so you are ready for a for a quick exit.
- Pack sleeping bags, bedding and linens in waterproof bags to protect them from moisture. Space bags are great for this.
- Make copies of all important documents and store them in a plastic bag so you have them ready to take with you. (insurance policies, drivers license, credit card information, titles and vehicle registration)
- Make a list of important phone numbers and information and keep this in a zip lock bag, too.
- It is not a bad idea to have some cash stored in your RV or in your important document bag because there may be no ATM or credit card purchases if there is a major power outage.
- Pack plenty of batteries and flashlights so you are ready for any emergency.
- Make sure you have a battery powered radio so you can keep informed during the storm.
- We have a hand crank combination battery charger and flashlight for charging our cell phones. A great way to keep you in contact with family and friends.
- And, don’t forget your pet. Pack some food and emergency information for your pets, too!
If you are evacuating and leaving you RV behind, here are a few helpful hints that could help your motor home travel trailer or fifth wheel weather the storm, too.
- Buy insurance and buy it early. After a storm is in the gulf, you can no longer bind insurance on your RV.
- Decide where you will store your RV and try to find a place that is not in a low lying area prone to flooding.
- Package your belongings in waterproof bags.
- Close and lock all windows, vents and doors.
- Secure any lose items located near your RV.
- Turn off the propane at the cylinders.
- Close and lock all outside compartment doors.
- Return as soon as safely possible after the storm and check for damage and leaks.
These are only a few things to consider when getting ready for hurricane season. We had our Fifth Wheel stored at our daughters home during Hurricane Ike. We had parked it as close as possible to there travel trailer and we were both so lucky. The only thing we lost was a small vent cap. Take some steps now that could save you time and money later. Good luck and be safe.