RVing in a storm: How to prepare and stay safe

Severe weather can change quickly, especially when you're travelling or camping. Although you cannot control the forecast, you can prepare for RVing in a storm. Use these practical steps to protect your travel companions, pets, and RV before strong winds, flooding, tornadoes, or hurricanes arrive.

What should you do before the storm?

Understand the difference between weather warnings, advisories, and watches:

• • Warnings: Hazardous weather may develop. Stay aware and review your plans.
  • Advisories: Conditions could produce severe weather. Begin safety precautions and be ready to act.
  • Watches: Severe weather is occurring or imminent. Take protective action and follow local emergency instructions.

Learn more about the weather alerts issued by the Government of Canada.

Check local weather forecasts before you travel

Check the forecast before departure and continue monitoring conditions throughout your trip. Turn on local alerts and be prepared to change your destination, delay travel or leave early when severe weather is forecast.

Use an internet-connected device for updates. You can also review official alerts at weather.gc.ca.

Plan an RV evacuation route and shelter options

Create an evacuation plan that works with and without your RV. Review the campground map and ask the campground manager or owner about evacuation routes and designated shelter areas. Share the plan with everyone in your group and keep someone at home aware of your location.

Secure your campsite before the storm

Loose branches and unsecured camping gear can damage an RV during high winds. Keep your site tidy and store unused chairs, toys, tables, grills, and umbrellas. Move away from trees or other unsecured objects when local instructions and conditions make it safe to do so.

Prepare your RV for severe weather

Pull in slide-outs and the awning, latch windows, close the door, and secure loose equipment. If appropriate for your RV and campsite, filling water tanks may add stability. Complete these steps early, not after conditions become dangerous.

Learn more about how to protect your RV awning from wind and rain damage.

Prepare children and pets to leave quickly

Have sturdy, closed-toe shoes ready for everyone. Keep pets close and place them in a carrier with familiar supplies. Store medications, identification, and essential pet items where they can be picked up quickly.

Take shelter and follow local emergency instructions

When a warning is issued, follow official local guidance and move to the recommended shelter. If a sturdy building is available, use an interior area away from windows. Avoid relying on the RV as your only shelter during dangerous winds. Conditions vary, so local emergency directions should take priority over general advice.

Pack an RV emergency kit or go bag

Prepare a customized go bag for each person and pet. Include first aid supplies, prescription medications, copies of important documents, food, water, clothing, flashlights, cash, and battery-powered communication or charging devices. Review supplies before each trip and replace expired items.

How to prepare for different types of severe weather

Thunderstorms and strong winds

• • Leave the RV for a sturdier shelter when local authorities advise it.
  • Secure the RV and loose campsite objects before the wind arrives, if it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid driving in dangerous winds; change your route or stop in a safe location when advised.

Flooding

• • Avoid low-lying campsites when flood risk is present.
  • Monitor nearby water levels and official flood alerts.
  • Move to higher ground when directed and never drive onto a flooded road.

Tornadoes

• • Move to the storm shelter or sturdy building identified in your evacuation plan.
  • Stay away from windows and protect your head.
  • Do not try to outrun a tornado in your RV; follow local emergency directions immediately.

Hurricanes

• • Monitor official forecasts well before landfall.
  • Leave the RV and evacuate to a sturdy building or designated location when instructed.
  • Plan more than one evacuation route because conditions and closures can change.

RV storm safety starts before the forecast changes

A clear plan can help you respond sooner and with less confusion. Before your next trip, check the forecast, identify shelter and evacuation routes, secure your campsite and pack an emergency kit. Then review the plan with everyone travelling with you so each person knows what to do when severe weather arrives.

Before your next RV trip, make sure your coverage is ready for the road ahead. Contact Orbit Insurance Services today to speak with a licensed insurance broker who can review your RV insurance options and help you find coverage that fits your needs.

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