Severe Weather Travel: How to stay safe
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We’re gearing up for storm season in the midwest again, and we all know what that means. Thunderstorms and tornadoes will be here before you know it. When the thunder rolls and the lightning strikes, are you prepared? How do you keep an eye on the sky while you’ve got the other on the road? The more you know, the longer you have to prepare for what’s coming your way. Follow these tips to make sure you’re ready when Mother Nature unleashes her fury.
Get A Weather Radio
Investing in a weather radio can mean the difference between life and death in some cases. They’re a cheap investment (you can get a solid radio with all the basic features you’ll need for around $30). More specifically, you should invest in a radio that can be programmed by SAME (specific area message encoding) codes. It can be a hassle to have to update your code every time you settle down, but it does keep you from waking up in the middle of the night for the flood warning in Florida when you’re camping in Minnesota. Trust us. It’s well worth the extra coin.
If you boondock frequently or break away from your campsite for activities, you should look into purchasing a weather radio that is powered by a hand crank or batteries. Having a battery backup is recommended for all weather radios, regardless of where you’re using it, but the hand crank might be necessary if you find yourself in a jam while you’re out and about.
Try A Phone App
If you’ve got a smartphone with GPS enabled, you can download apps that update the weather with your location. This is the perfect solution for people who are always on the go and don’t want to mess with SAME codes (while still preserving their sleep schedule). There are a few apps out there with some fancy features you’ll pay for, but a basic app (some are free!) will do. Dark Sky has consistently ranked well as a high performing weather app. Best of all? This one’s a freebie.
Another high-ranking freebie is the WeatherBug app. This one is so popular, it usually comes pre-installed on most cell phones. It’s easy to use and lets you save multiple locations for simple viewing and updates. Keep track of the weather wherever you are and still be in the know when you return home.
If you’re really into weather or just like watching the storm roll in, a weather radar app might be for you. Apps like MyRadar Weather Radar are free and can give you a better idea of when storms are going to reach you, how fast the storm cell is moving, how long it will last and more. Stay ahead of the storm by learning how to predict where and when bad weather will strike.
Visit The Website
There are also websites you can go to if you don’t want to pay for a weather radio or install an app on your phone. Especially if you have a smartphone or wireless network, you can check out local news sites or the official National Oceanic And Atmospheric (NOAA) site.
What To Do
The best possible way to stay safe during storms is the avoid them altogether. Using your weather radio (which you’re going to run out and buy right now, right?) or an app on your phone, you’ll know the places to avoid. Chances are, you’re bound to run into some poor weather that can’t be avoided at least a handful of times while you’re traveling. Staying aware helps you make the best decision possible for you and your travelers.
Hang On To These
Some things that are helpful to have in your RV in case of bad weather include bottled water and nonperishable food, backup batteries or battery chargers, charging cords for cell phones and radios, and flashlights, to name a few. Always be aware of your surroundings so you know exactly where to go should you need shelter.
Whatever method you choose, you can’t be too careful when it comes to keeping you and your loved ones safe while you’re traveling. Whether you choose a traditional weather radio, modern phone app or a combination, finding the best fit for your family is crucial to your safety as you live your Good Life, no matter what comes your way.