Are you Prepared For Emergencies When RVing?

We have had a lot of hot weather here in Southern BC in the last few weeks. Due to the heat and lack of rain, we are at extreme risk of forest fires. There have been quite a few fires that have started in the area. One of the fires has resulted in the evacuations of some homes just south of Nanaimo. Because of the fires, I have been thinking about what I need to do to be prepared for emergencies when RVing.

When you live in an RV you can obviously drive your home right out of the affected area (at least in most cases). This is one of the many benefits of having a house on wheels, right?

Even still, I realized that we have spent so much time getting everything comfortable but not enough time being prepared for emergencies when RVing. And as the saying goes, safety first! It is just as important to be prepared as it is to those living in a house/condo.

So, because of the fires here, I started thinking about what I needed to be prepared for emergencies when RVing.  When I was making the list I thought maybe you would be interested in reading about it as well. It’s always a good idea to review your disaster plan occasionally just to make sure you are ready, right?

•  Make sure your RV has a tank of fresh water.

  • Having enough fresh water available for at least 3 days is what is recommended but this is a minimum.  Most tanks will hold enough water for the minimum amount of days but usually more. In the case of an emergency or disaster, you may not have access to water hook-ups.

• Get a generator, extra batteries or have solar power

  • When you boondock, also known as dry camping or off-grid camping, most people have something set up so that they can still use electricity when they need it. We have a generator for this reason. Generators tend to be the cheapest solution vs solar power.
  • Solar power is a great option if you really want to stay eco-friendly but isn’t as budget-friendly as a generator.
  • If you are relying on batteries you will need to have additional or a way to recharge them. The average RV battery probably won’t last you more than about 12 hours, possibly less. You need to be able to run whatever needs power for a minimum of 72 hours.

• Make sure that you have topped up your fuel

  • Keep your propane tanks topped up. If you have a generator make sure you have fuel for it. Make sure you have enough to keep you going for the minimum 72 hours. Prepare for longer if you can.
  • Make sure your motorhome or tow vehicle has the fuel tanks topped up as well.  You may not be able to get gas for it for days (possibly longer). If you need to leave the area you need to have enough fuel to get to safety.

• Have plenty of non-perishable food

  • RVs tend to be well stocked with canned and dried food, particularly if you live in it. However, storage can be limited. Make sure you have enough to last you and your family for the minimum 72 hours.  Review what you currently stock and consider storing a bit extra if you feel it won’t be enough to last for at least 3 days. Don’t forget to check the pet food as well.

• Have extra medicine available

  • If you have medicine that you can’t do without then make sure that you top up and won’t run out if you aren’t able to get to a pharmacy for a week or two.

• Have emergency supplies

  • Have a first aid kit, flashlights and other emergency supplies just in case. Create a grab and go kit, as well, in case you have to leave your RV behind.

• Know the risks in your environment

  • Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and have an emergency route planned. If you are in a new area and don’t know the risks associated with it then educate yourself. Is the area prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunami or tornados? If you aren’t sure then ask at a local visitor center, do an internet search or talk to a local. If you are in an area that is prone to tornados or tsunami then find out how the alert is sent. Also, find out where the nearest shelter is in case staying in your RV is not safe.  Your RV is not a safe place during storms with extreme wind, flooding or tidal waves.

If you want to be even more prepared for emergencies when RVing then do some research on some basic survivalist techniques. Valuable techniques to learn are how to purify water, how to make a fire, how to build a shelter and how to find food. Some of these skills you may already know but you, if you are anything like me, you have little to no experience in these areas.

I am not one of those people that thinks the end of the world is near or anything like that. I am not going to build myself a secret underground bunker. However, I do enjoy learning about new things so I have started to read up on survival techniques. I have created a new board on Pinterest with all of the useful knowledge I have found on survival. I hope I never need to use survival techniques. If I do, well at least I will know how to do a few more things to help take care of myself and family.

If just thinking about how bad things could happen makes you want to stop thinking and you don’t want to start making elaborate plans at least get yourself a pre-made Emergency Go Bag.

You can purchase premade emergency kits.  These kits are a great way to be prepared for emergencies when RVing or of any kind. Once you have your Emergency kits you can add extra medication, an extra pair of glasses, pet food and other important things quickly and without too much time spent on it.

Do you think you are prepared for emergencies when RVing (or at your house) if the ‘big one hits’ or a tornado or wildfire heads toward you and your family? Did I miss anything important in my preparation that you would suggest?  Let me know what you add to the list.

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