| I love the freedom of the open road. There is | | | | rechargeable batteries or any 12-volt receptacle. |
| nothing like exploring the back roads in your RV. | | | | It is well worth the investment to know what |
| You can go where you want and when you want, | | | | type of weather to expect when traveling or |
| in your house on wheels, and because of this, | | | | camping in your RV. When we are at home, we |
| often times you find yourself in a new destination | | | | use the weather radio receiver in the house. For |
| everyday. Something that many RVers do not | | | | more information on the NOAA Weather Radio |
| take into consideration with this freedom to roam | | | | visit their website at |
| is the weather conditions where you are traveling | | | | OK, the first step to our emergency weather plan |
| to or spending the night. RV's are great, but they | | | | is to get a weather radio receiver if you don't |
| are not safe in severe weather like lightning and | | | | already have one, and to always monitor it when |
| thunderstorms with high winds, tornadoes and | | | | you use your RV. The next step is to develop an |
| hurricanes. | | | | emergency evacuation plan, to use in the event |
| When you are at home, you usually know what | | | | of severe weather. When you arrive at a |
| the weather forecast is from the newspaper, | | | | campground, ask at the check-in desk about an |
| radio or television. When you travel three or four | | | | emergency plan in case of a severe storm such |
| hundred miles a day in your RV the weather | | | | as a tornado, or a thunderstorm with high winds. |
| conditions can change several times. Many times | | | | If they don't have a plan you need to make your |
| when you stop for the night somewhere all you | | | | own. Locate a structure that is safer than your |
| want to do is get some rest. The weather is the | | | | RV, like a bathhouse or the campground office. |
| last thing on your mind. The problem with this is | | | | Always stay on the lowest level possible and |
| severe weather can occur without much warning, | | | | away from doors and windows. Brief everybody |
| and if you are caught in it, it can be disastrous. | | | | with you on the emergency plan. Explain to |
| So, what do we do, what's the plan? PLAN is the | | | | children how to respond to different disasters and |
| key word here. RVers need to have an | | | | the dangers of severe weather, fires, and other |
| emergency plan in case of a severe storm. For | | | | emergencies. Instruct children on emergency exits. |
| starters, have you ever heard of the National | | | | Instruct them on how and when to call 911. Make |
| Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | | | | sure everybody knows exactly what his or her |
| Weather Radio or NWR? The NOAA Weather | | | | job is in case of severe weather. Monitor the |
| Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations | | | | weather radio for emergency information. |
| that broadcast continuous weather information | | | | Emergency weather watches and warnings are |
| directly from a nearby National Weather Service | | | | for counties and towns, so always check a map |
| Office. They broadcast National Weather Service | | | | for the county or town where you are staying. |
| warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard | | | | Have an emergency supply kit made up and easily |
| information 24 hours a day. Alerts inform people | | | | accessible. The kit should contain flashlights, |
| if they need to take some type of action in order | | | | batteries, rain ponchos, a portable weather radio, |
| to protect themselves, such as "seeking shelter" | | | | first aid kit, non- perishable packaged or canned |
| or "to evacuate an area immediately!" What does | | | | food and a manual can opener, blankets, |
| this mean to RVers? It means if you owned a | | | | prescription and non-prescription drugs, pet |
| battery operated weather radio receiver you | | | | supplies, bottled water and any special items for |
| could monitor weather conditions no matter | | | | infants, elderly or disabled family members. |
| where you are! | | | | To learn more about how to prepare for and |
| Every RVer should own a weather radio receiver. | | | | react to different types of severe weather take |
| Receivers are available at most retail stores that | | | | a moment to visit |
| sell electronic equipment. Prices can range | | | | Remember, RV's are not safe in severe weather! |
| anywhere from $25 to $200 depending on the | | | | This includes severe thunderstorms with high |
| quality of the receiver and its features. I | | | | winds, tornadoes and hurricanes. Learn about |
| personally own two weather radio receivers. My | | | | different types of weather hazards, get a |
| Midland WR-300 works off AC power or four AA | | | | weather radio if you don't have one, create a plan |
| batteries when the power is out. It has an alert | | | | with your family, practice and maintain the plan. |
| feature that alarms when the National Weather | | | | Now go RVing and have fun. |
| Service issues severe weather announcements or | | | | Happy Camping, |
| emergency information. I also have a portable | | | | Mark |
| handheld Midland 40 channel CB, with a | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |
| 10-weather channel receiver. It works off six AA | | | | |