How to Stay Safe During Summer Storms
Summer storms are a fact of life, and while they can be fun to ride out in your home, they do pose a risk when you’re in an RV. And when you’re on the road, finding ways to keep yourself and your rig safe are essential. Since severe weather can pop up without warning, you’ll need to be prepared. Here are a few key tips to keep in mind before you take your RV out of your secure RV storage space and hit the road for your summer road trip.
Invest in a Surge Protector
Many campgrounds have old and outdated electrical systems that could be more vulnerable to high and low voltage surges during storms. These power surges can fry your electronics and damage the appliances in your RV if you leave your rig plugged in. Though you can unplug your RV when a severe thunderstorm is on the way, it’s inconvenient and if you’re not paying close attention to the weather, you could end up getting drenched. Instead, invest in a surge protector. RV surge protectors keep power surges from reaching your RV, thereby protecting your appliances and electronics.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
If you’re going to be staying in one spot for a week or more, you may want to sign up for emergency alerts with the county you’re staying in. These alerts can tell you if a severe storm is on the way by sending notifications to your smartphone and smartwatch. You’ll receive notice of severe thunderstorms, tornado watches, hailstorms, and more. And with those alerts, you’ll be able to seek shelter if needed before the storm hits you.
Identify Safe Spaces at Campgrounds
In some parts of the country, campgrounds and state parks have shelters in place to help people stay safe during severe weather events. And even if they don’t, they often have permanent structures that you and your loved ones can retreat to if needed. Identify those safe spaces as soon as you arrive at your destination. Bathhouses, community rooms, and other permanent structures are often great places to shelter from tornadoes, hail, and other severe weather. Remember, riding out high winds and tornados in your RV is a major safety hazard. Seeking shelter is always your best bet.
Pull Off If You’re Driving
Windy and stormy weather can increase your risk of getting into an accident if you’re on the road. Rather than trying to drive through a storm, consider pulling into a parking lot and letting the storm pass. Gas stations, truck stops, rest areas, and big-box retailers like Walmart and Home Depot are all great places to stop and hunker down.
Preparation Is the Name of the Game
Summer storms don’t have to take the joy out of your RV trip. You just need to be prepared for storms anytime you’re on the road. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to enjoy your RV trip no matter what the weather is doing.
If your RV does get damage during a storm, don’t panic. GoHomePort is here to help. Our experienced technicians can handle everything from minor roof repairs to appliance replacement. Schedule an appointment with our RV service and repair team.
Go Back Invest in a Surge Protector
Many campgrounds have old and outdated electrical systems that could be more vulnerable to high and low voltage surges during storms. These power surges can fry your electronics and damage the appliances in your RV if you leave your rig plugged in. Though you can unplug your RV when a severe thunderstorm is on the way, it’s inconvenient and if you’re not paying close attention to the weather, you could end up getting drenched. Instead, invest in a surge protector. RV surge protectors keep power surges from reaching your RV, thereby protecting your appliances and electronics.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
If you’re going to be staying in one spot for a week or more, you may want to sign up for emergency alerts with the county you’re staying in. These alerts can tell you if a severe storm is on the way by sending notifications to your smartphone and smartwatch. You’ll receive notice of severe thunderstorms, tornado watches, hailstorms, and more. And with those alerts, you’ll be able to seek shelter if needed before the storm hits you.
Identify Safe Spaces at Campgrounds
In some parts of the country, campgrounds and state parks have shelters in place to help people stay safe during severe weather events. And even if they don’t, they often have permanent structures that you and your loved ones can retreat to if needed. Identify those safe spaces as soon as you arrive at your destination. Bathhouses, community rooms, and other permanent structures are often great places to shelter from tornadoes, hail, and other severe weather. Remember, riding out high winds and tornados in your RV is a major safety hazard. Seeking shelter is always your best bet.
Pull Off If You’re Driving
Windy and stormy weather can increase your risk of getting into an accident if you’re on the road. Rather than trying to drive through a storm, consider pulling into a parking lot and letting the storm pass. Gas stations, truck stops, rest areas, and big-box retailers like Walmart and Home Depot are all great places to stop and hunker down.
Preparation Is the Name of the Game
Summer storms don’t have to take the joy out of your RV trip. You just need to be prepared for storms anytime you’re on the road. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to enjoy your RV trip no matter what the weather is doing.
If your RV does get damage during a storm, don’t panic. GoHomePort is here to help. Our experienced technicians can handle everything from minor roof repairs to appliance replacement. Schedule an appointment with our RV service and repair team.