September is National Preparedness Month, making it a great time to review your RV emergency kit. Whether you are camping in North Georgia, tailgating in Athens, or beginning a road trip from Atlanta, preparation can make an unexpected situation easier to handle.
RV travel offers many comforts of home, but severe weather, mechanical trouble, power outages, and medical emergencies can still happen. Use this RV emergency preparedness checklist before your next trip.
1. A Reliable Way to Receive Weather Alerts
Georgia weather can change quickly, especially during thunderstorm and hurricane seasons. Do not rely on campground staff or social media to alert you when severe weather is approaching.
Enable emergency alerts on your phone and download a trusted weather app. Carry a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio in case cell service or electricity is unavailable. The National Weather Service recommends having multiple ways to receive warnings.
When you arrive at a campground, identify the nearest sturdy shelter and learn the campground’s emergency procedures. An RV is not a safe place to remain during a tornado or severe windstorm.
2. A Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit
Every RV should have an easy-to-reach first-aid kit. Include adhesive bandages in several sizes, sterile gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, disposable gloves, tweezers, scissors, a thermometer, and an instant cold pack. Add any prescription medications your family needs, along with pain relievers, allergy medication, and insect-bite treatment.
Check expiration dates before each camping season and add supplies suited to any children or pets traveling with you.
3. Emergency Drinking Water and Food
Even with a full freshwater tank, keep bottled drinking water available. Plumbing problems, campground advisories, or a power outage could make your regular supply unusable. Ready.gov recommends storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days. Your RV emergency supplies should also include nonperishable foods that require little or no cooking, such as protein bars, peanut butter, crackers, canned food, and dried fruit. Remember a manual can opener and extra food and water for pets.
4. Flashlights and Extra Batteries
Keep more than one flashlight in your RV and store them where everyone can find them. Headlamps are especially useful because they leave both hands free during a nighttime repair. Battery-powered lanterns can safely illuminate the interior if campground power goes out.
Pack extra batteries and inspect them periodically. Avoid candles inside an RV because of the fire risk. Glow sticks can help mark steps or campsite obstacles.
5. A Roadside Emergency Kit
Your roadside emergency kit should include reflective triangles, a high-visibility vest, gloves, jumper cables or a portable jump starter, a tire-pressure gauge, basic tools, spare fuses, and an RV-compatible fire extinguisher.
Before every trip, inspect your tow vehicle and RV tires, including the spare. Check the lights, brakes, hitch components, and safety chains. Keep roadside-assistance information, insurance documents, and important phone numbers accessible offline.
6. Backup Power and Charging Options
A charged power bank can keep your phone running long enough to receive alerts or call for help. Carry charging cables and a 12-volt vehicle charger. A properly rated portable generator or power station may provide additional backup power.
Never operate a fuel-powered generator inside an RV, storage compartment, or enclosed area. Follow the manufacturer’s placement and ventilation instructions, and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working before every trip.
Prepare Your RV Before You Leave Atlanta
Emergency gear is important, but preventive maintenance can reduce problems on the road. Before a long trip, consider having your roof, seals, tires, brakes, battery, plumbing, and electrical systems inspected.
At Lightnin RV in Lawrenceville, Georgia, we help RV owners and travelers from Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Athens, and communities throughout North Georgia get ready for the road. Our service department can help with maintenance and repairs before your next adventure. If you are not ready to purchase, explore our RV rentals for an upcoming camping trip or tailgate. You can also browse our selection of new and pre-owned RVs for sale.
Build your kit gradually, inspect it before each trip, and make sure everyone knows where supplies are stored. A few thoughtful steps can help keep your next RV adventure safer and more enjoyable.
