No matter where your travels lead you in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you will always need to be prepared for natural disasters. There is not an area of North America that is exempt from some type of natural disaster. The key to safe and enjoyable travel is being prepared for any natural disaster that might occur.

If you are traveling with children, make sure they understand the emergency plan your family has devised. Children as young as three can often understand simple safety instructions and help to protect themselves when needed.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes most typically occur on the West Coast from Alaska to southern California. The region that skirts the Mississippi River is also at higher risk of earthquake. Although scientists have studied earthquakes for years, and more information has been gathered, earthquakes cannot be predicted or pinpointed with any great accuracy. Be prepared for earthquakes in your motorhome. Many injuries in RV accidents are caused by loose objects flying around during sudden stops. The same effect can happen during earthquakes. Always secure items in your motorhome.

If you do find yourself rocking and rolling in your RV while camping in an RV park, stay put until the shaking stops. You are safer inside your rig away from falling branches and power lines.

If you are driving when an earthquake strikes, slow your speed to help retain control of the vehicle (the quake may cause a towed travel trailer to sway violently) and pull over when it is safe to do so. Stay inside the vehicle until it is safe to exit. Afterward, open closet and cupboard doors carefully, as heavy items may have shifted.

Earthquakes can also trigger land and rock slides. If you are camping in an area that is prone to these, you may be advised to pack up and leave quickly by park personnel or police. If you are told to leave, do so as quickly as possible even if it means leaving your RV. Possessions can be replaced, but human lives cannot.

Floods

Floods are among the most common and dangerous natural disasters that RVers may encounter. Heavy rainfall will warn you that flooding is possible, but many campers have been surprised by flooding in an area that has not seen rainfall. Heavy rains in other areas can cause rivers to rise above flood stage in areas many miles downriver. These conditions can occur anywhere but are especially common in the desert Southwest, which is subject to monsoonal rains.

You should always keep an eye on the weather and weather forecasts. Listen to the radio or watch the local news for forecasts and warnings. If a flash flood warning is issued, pack up and get out. Move to higher ground as soon as possible.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes

These greatest of nature's storms have one thing in common: high winds. Hurricanes are also accompanied by heavy rains and possible flooding (mentioned earlier). If a tornado warning is sounded, unhook from electrical power and turn off the propane. If you are staying in an RV park, try to get to the office or another built shelter if there is time. These structures will offer more protection in high winds.

If you are on the road, seek the shelter of a highway overpass or a truck stop if one is close enough. Find a low spot to lie down in if you are in the open and a tornado is approaching.

If you are traveling and you approach an area of bad weather with thunderstorms that have the potential of spawning tornadoes, find a place to pull over and stop for a while. If you have enough time, try to locate a rest stop or truck stop with a permanent structure. This will provide a place for you to stretch your legs and possibly get a meal or snack while you wait out the bad weather with more protection than what your RV can provide.

Hurricanes generally provide more warning time for evacuation. If you are advised to leave, do so as soon as possible. Many hurricane-prone areas also have limited access with evacuation routes quickly turning into parking lots. You will find evacuation routes marked with the symbol illustrated here.

EVACUATION ROUTE SIGN

Fire

Fire is a danger in most national parks and heavily forested areas. Southern California also has a high fire danger, even in heavily populated areas. Stay alert for fires. Wildfires can move quickly and change direction without warning. If there is a fire in the area, pack up and move to another area. Don't wait until you are ordered to evacuate. At that time, you may only get out with the clothes on your back.