Do you live in an area that may be hit by a hurricane? If so, here are a few idea about what to do with your RV.
If a storm is on the way, moving the RV inland away from the storms projected path is the best scenario. If you can't do this yourself, perhaps you know someone who could do it for you before the storm's expected arrival. You could select a couple of campgrounds in advance that are inland, and depending on the storms trajectory move it to the most logical one. You would want to do this early enough so you can get a spot at the campground. Call a couple of local RV dealers and ask them for some good references of people who might be able to help you with moving the RV in the event of a hurricane. In this case you would want to pack the RV with food and clothing since you might need it for shelter after the storm.
If for any reason that scenario does not work and you must leave the trailer at your residence there are a few things I can think you should do:
Close all of the RV's windows and overhead roof vents.
Fill the propane but keep it turned off, and fill the fresh water holding tank with potable water. You may need this water after the storm. Do not fill the gray and black tank. You may need to use the RV after the storm and would want these tanks to be empty.
Make sure the battery is fully charged so you can use the 12-volt devices if you lose power after the storm is over.
Wind from a hurricane is unpredictable, but if the bulk of the wind is hitting against the front or rear of the RV, as opposed to the larger sides of the RV, there might be less damage or chance of serious damage. This translates to keeping one side of the RV close to the side or end of the house to help protect it from the high winds.
Avoid parking it in lower elevations. Water can flood low areas in a few hours during a bad storm, causing serious flooding.
If there are trees in the area that could damage the RV either move it to another location or keep the tree limbs trimmed.
Make sure any loose items in the area around the RV are secured prior to the storm.
As a precaution make sure your RV insurance is up to date and that it is covered in the event of a hurricane. The insurance company might offer some additional suggestions to protect the RV.
These are just a few ideas to help prepare your RV for a hurricane. You may want to ask the local RV dealers in the area if they have any suggestions, too.
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Also, pretty obvious, all slides should be in the closed position, and lower the antenna. Top off generator fuel if you have one. Also fuel in your motorhome or tow vehicle.
ReplyDeleteThis article assumes that you want to stay in your home. An RV is the most ideal way to leave the Hurricane Area and return when all danger has passed. This is the joy of owning an RV. I would worry about my life first and the home second. Get in the RV and drie to a safe area and know that if you come back to a distaster you will still have a 'home' when many less fortunate will not. Why would anyone want to move the RV to a safer place and then stay in the Hurricane area? That doesn't make sense to me.
ReplyDeleteMaureen
Our motorhome is our hurricane departure vehicle. Now that we live in NW Florida, our MH is packed, charged, filled, emptied, etc..., parked beside our house, and ready for a quick get away. The only reason I could see for relocating the MH and staying in our house is possibly for a small hurricane that we'd want to ride out at home, but the dangers there is that hurricanes often cause numerous tornadoes in the area which could also cause destruction to your MH.
ReplyDeleteAs a lifelong resident of NW Fla, I've experienced hurricanes both ways - evacuating and riding it out in my home. Since I am not directly on the water and our elevation will prevent flooding, I'll continue to ride out the storm at home. That way I can deal with any home damage immediately, should it occur. However, I'll move the rv to a more secure site farther inland so it will be in good shape should I need housing after the storm. I cannot in good conscience recommend my plan to anyone else. Each situation is different and homeowners must decide for themselves the prudent course to take.
ReplyDelete