RVers and Hurricane Preparedness

If you RV on the east coast, through the southern states or Texas, you may already know that Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico hurricanes and tropical storms are a fact of life between June 1 through November 30. Though less common on our west coast, they do occur primarily around southern California as well as Baja California, Mexico.

The main dangers from hurricanes are marine hazards–storm surge and rip tides, tornadoes, storms with lightening and high winds, and flooding.

Tropical storm winds are 39 to 73 mph. Hurricane winds are 74 mph or more. The main advantage you have is time. Hurricanes are tracked for at least 48 hours before they make landfall, so you have plenty of time to get to a safe place.

Hurricanes certainly warrant evacuation. But many people think, erroneously, that they can ride out a tropical storm in an RV because they are less severe. Hurricanes and tropical storms often stall once they make landfall generating torrential downpours, flash floods, hail, lightening or tornados. Between 1970 and 1999 59% of deaths from hurricanes were caused by freshwater flooding.

NOAA Weather Reports

The most useful item you can have to stay informed of current weather information is a NOAA Weather radio, which gets good reception in most places. For the small $25.00 investment, it's worth having one handy. Just make sure you keep fresh batteries in it.

NOAA radios can be equipped with sound alarms or connected to strobe lights, printers, bed-shakers, pagers or computers to alert those who are visually or hearing impaired.

NOAA reports hurricane data by state. Use the NOAA searchable hurricane database to learn about hurricanes that have hit your locations.

Hurricane Preparedness

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) at NOAA and the American Red Cross recommend having an emergency supply kit, similar to the one described in 'General Disaster Plan for Severe Weather Conditions' along with a few hurricane-specific plans. As soon as you learn that a hurricane is headed your way, prepare to evacuate.

In addition to the emergency items listed in the general disaster plan, do the following:

Plan well ahead of the hurricane season:

Insurance that covers personal injuries or damage to your RV, boat or vehicle

Current maps of the areas you plan to travel through

Write out and discuss your hurricane plan with your family or RV companions

Designate specific places to meet ASAP after learning of a hurricane

Pet plan, even if you plan to take them with you

Designate an emergency contact person, preferably out of state or well away from a hurricane impact area

Fresh batteries in your emergency kit electronics

Plan as soon as you learn about an approaching hurricane:

Meet where you planned to meet–account for everyone

Stay tuned to NOAA or any dedicated weather report

Keep your gas or diesel tank full

Know the predicted hurricane strength, track and date of landfall

Know that severe weather can begin many hours before the eye of the hurricane lands and that inland winds, water surges, and storm conditions can be severe and worsen

Consult your written plan for hurricane preparedness

Adapt your hurricane plan as appropriate

Determine escape routes

Determine alternate routes–your first choices may be crowded, washed out, in the path of the storm, or vehicles ahead of you may stall blocking lanes

Know where shelters are located along your route

Have a specific destination in mind and make reservations–thousands of other people will be evacuating along with you

If you can’t follow the designated hurricane evacuation routes, make sure the route you plan is safe from landslides, flash floods, bridge washouts and obstacles

Leave as early as possible

Assign each person specific responsibility to:

Notify your emergency contact person of your plans and timelines

Check every item in your emergency kit to be sure each is working, including the spare batteries

Make sure you have enough food for three to seven days

Restock food and personal care items as necessary

Make sure you have at least a week’s supply of prescription medications, refill those that are low and keep your labeled prescription bottles in an easily accessible place

Have plenty of cash on hand in case ATMs or card-swipers don’t work

Have a pet emergency preparedness plan in place

Make sure your pets' vaccinations are current and documentation is handy

Have a pet carrier and a leash

Have a three-day to one week’s supply of pet food

After a Hurricane Evacuation:

Notify American Red Cross Safe & Well when you arrive at a safe destination so that your loved ones can locate you.

If you find you are suffering from emotional distress caused by the emergency, the evacuation or any related event, seek post-disaster distress help immediately.

Also, take a few moments to read an article on Emotional Recovery After a Disaster. It’s easy, and dangerous, to overlook symptoms of distress or brush them off by attributing them to something less significant.

Summary

If you are evacuating watch for flooding on roads. Don’t attempt to drive across flooded areas. As you’ve probably seen on the news, just a few inches of rapidly flowing water can wash you off the road.

Standing water may hide downed power lines and be electrically charged. Fallen trees or debris can stop you in your tracks. Plan with alternate routes in mind. Use satellite maps when planning to get a clear view of alternated roads.

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