How to stay safe while RV camping in the Ozarks during storms

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Fall is a great time to camp in the cooler weather of the Ozarks, but storms can arrive suddenly, sometimes with little warning.

But before we set up camp, National Weather ServiceThe first thing you need to do is check the weather forecast and let your family or friends know where you are going.

But some RV experts will tell you that camping safety starts at home.

“I always say, follow a checklist,” said David Mills, general manager of Camping World. “First, when you hook up to the truck, make sure all your lights work. You’d be surprised how many people forget to hook up to the truck.”

Once you arrive at your campsite and a storm hits, Mills recommends making sure your RV or camper is secured. During the weekend, A Howell County man died when his fifth wheel overturned during a storm on a farm near Caulfield.

“Having everything stable, locked down, will help it survive that wave because once you get moving, it’s like trying to keep it from being in motion,” Mills said. “So if you get locked down, it’ll be able to fight itself and it’ll be more robust.”

Accordingly The National Weather Service, In severe weather conditions, campers should abandon tents, caravans and cars and move into sturdy shelter if available. If not, sheltering in your car will work, just avoid parking near trees.

If you are in your trailer, like Mills et al. Travel around America, Mills suggests moving to the middle of the trailer or to the bathroom to avoid windows, and suggests keeping your trailer attached to your vehicle if the wind is blowing.

“If you knew it was going to go bad, you could probably keep your truck or your car attached to it,” Mills said. “That would help too, because that would add at least another 3,500 to maybe 5,000 pounds to give it more pressure, downward pressure.”

The National Weather Service also recommends having an evacuation plan. Know where you can quickly find shelter if you need it. Pack a safety kit and have a weather radio.

KY3 First Alert Weather App/Tease(KY3)

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