Emergency preparedness is an essential part of RVing and travel in general. Whether you’re out on the open road, or parked in one spot, being prepared for any kind of emergency is critical. From storms to accidents, knowing what to do ahead of time can make all the difference. That’s why it’s important to take the time to plan for an emergency before you embark on your RVing journey.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to ensure that you’re prepared for anything that might come your way. By being prepared for any kind of emergency, you can rest assured that you’ll be safe and secure during your RVing adventures. So read on to learn more!
1. Have a Plan in Place
The first step to emergency preparedness for RVers is to have a plan in place. Some items are universal – things you can set up once and have ready for every RV adventure again without needing to think about it. These would be things like contact lists for when things get dicey. It’s always good to know you have a number on hand in case you lose access to your own phone, since we nobody remembers important phone numbers these days!
Additionally, create a plan for how to handle various emergency scenarios, such as a medical emergency, a fire, a flood, or a natural disaster. Knowing what to do in each situation can give you peace of mind and better help you prepare for any situation.
Your plan should also include guidance for evacuation. Especially for children in your RV, knowing how to get out of the RV fast when it matters can be important. After all, homes can catch fire in the kitchen and there’s always a possibility of that happening in you RV too.
2. Keep an emergency kit ready
As an RVer, having an emergency kit that is well equipped and ready to go is essential. Your kit should include items such as a flashlight, a set of multi-purpose tools, a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, and a maybe even a whistle. These can all be used in various emergency events to make it easier to find help when it’s needed.
Spare parts for your RV and tow vehicle should be considered part of your emergency kit. It’s always a good idea to pack items such as a spare tire, a full tank of fuel, and extra oil. If a flash flood or other incident happens, you may need to detour far away from the pit stop you were planning to make.
Lastly, a good emergency kit in your RV should include a road hazard kit, a blanket, and food and water.
3. Know Your Route
Knowing your route is an important part of emergency preparedness for RVers. Before you take off on a new journey, it’s wise to research the best route to your destination and plan accordingly. Use online resources to find out about local destinations, alternative campgrounds, and you may even pick up some useful local information from RV forums online. Certain areas can be challenging to maneuver with larger RVs, and you can be sure the locals will tell you!
Be aware of any road closures or detours you may encounter. Additionally, make sure to have a map of the area with you so that you can quickly find an alternate route if needed. This can help you get to your destination quickly and safely.
If you’re using a digital map, like the one on your phone, you can download a version of the map before you leave. That way, even if you don’t have any signal, you can reference the map in the app to plan an alternate route. That said, it’s still a good idea to have a paper map in your RV – there’s plenty of place to store one, and you never know when they might come in handy!
4. Create a system of safety protocols
Knowing and understanding safety protocols is essential for RVers in the event of an emergency. In addition to having a plan in place for evacuation, store a list of contact information for emergency services relevant to your destination. For instance, traveling along the western forests could put you in wildfire territory. You should have an idea of what to do if you encounter a risk common to the area you plan to visit.
Don’t forget to store important documents, like insurance information, in a waterproof container and have them easily accessible. If something were to happen, it can save you a lot of stress to know you have the resources you need to contact ready and available no matter what.
Familiarizing yourself with safety protocols is the key to being prepared and staying safe in the event of an emergency.
5. Know where to turn for assistance
RV emergency preparedness while traveling in an RV starts with knowing who to call! Creating a list of where to turn for assistance on your trip can be a major help if you find yourself in an emergency situation. Find resources for emergency services like police, fire, and medical help in the areas you are visiting.
If your camping trip includes recreation activities that could be unsafe, like rock climbing or other dangerous hobbies, you may want to consider researching places like the nearest hospitals, fire stations, and police departments in the area so you know where to go.
6. Most Importantly – Don’t Stress!
The most important thing to do on any RV trip is to relax and enjoy the trip. While it’s a great idea to be prepared for emergencies, you’re statistically unlikely to encounter them on your trip. Don’t let the idea of preparing for an emergency make you feel like you’re going to experience one. It’s all about being ready for anything!
Taking the time to research and prepare will make sure you can enjoy your RV experience without worrying about the unexpected.
Do You Have RV Questions? Contact RV Wholesale Superstore!
The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find your first RV and answer any questions you may have about taking care of one. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at 844-601-1171
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