9 Tips to Protect Yourself when RVing During a Tornado

Although San Antonio is far from Tornado Alley, we are not immune from the affects of tornadoes.  The "straight line winds" that we experience here can be just as damaging, not only for those of us who live here but also for travelers, especially for RVers. This year has been particularly treacherous for many states and tornado damages and loss of life.  Driving across the country in an RV can be very frightening when tornadoes are in the forecast. But there are tips to protect your family if a tornado crosses your path when RVing.  

RV After Driving Through a Tornado

• While driving to your destination...

1. Carry and use a weather radio, cell phone or tablet (if internet is available) to keep apprized of any weather alerts where you are and to where you are going.
2. Obviously it would be a best choice to not head into a town were tornadoes are likely, according to the forecast.
3. If tornadoes are likely on the way to your destination, research the location of tornado shelters on your route. Know the County name of you current and destination locations to research tornado alerts on NOAA/National Weather Service.

Nice Site to Stay in When the Weather is Fine

• If your in an RV Park or campground...

1. If the town you are visiting has tornado sirens, these will sound once a tornado watch is in effect locally.  This isn't always a fail-safe however, since there's often no warning of a tornadoes approach.  Many parks have public address systems or computer or email alerts that can be used if there are no sirens in town or if those have failed.  Also watch local weather or RV Park postings on info boards at the community center or office.
2.  Unless tornadoes are very prevalent at your RV park, the park generally will not have a tornado shelter but there are often shelters in town.  If a tornado warning is announced you should head directly to a known shelter in town.  Don't forget your seat-belts when heading to safety. 
3. If no shelter is available nearby, move out of your RV to a park bath and shower facility, using their shower or commode stalls as a shelter.  Stay close to the ground and cover your head and neck for safety.  Other stable structures can also be considered like a recreation hall or registration center, staying in the buildings center, searching out a closet or some similar protection.

RV Park demolished by Tornado

•  If you are towing a vehicle...

1. Get out of the trailer or RV and put on seat-belts. 
2.  If you can get your trailer unhitched drive away from the storm, if possible, and towards a shelter, especially if you SEE a tornado forming. 
3. Don't panic.  Drive away from it as safely as possible.

Always remember that preparation and awareness are the best ways to escape safely and/or avoid the danger altogether.

Anyone been traveling when a tornado warning turned into a tornado?  Please share your experience or any actions you took to bring you through it safely.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with us on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV