What To Do When Tornados Threaten Your Campground

It’s tornado season once again and time to visit the question of what to do in case severe weather threatens. Yes, this is a picture of an RV park tornado shelter with turkey silhouettes on top and no this is not what the owner does to your rig if you fail to pick up after your dog.We are currently staying at an RV park in Georgia and tonight the park manager came by to tell us about an approaching storm which was reporting golf ball sized hail, lightning and tornadic activity. You’re RV will handle large hail and it may possibly even handle a lightning strike depending on how it’s made, but a tornado – not a chance. Tornadoes eat mobile homes and RVs for lunch. So what do you do in this situation? Follow the turkeys!When you are in tornado country (anywhere in the Midwest and the South including Texas) ask the campground manager where the nearest tornado shelter is located. The tornado shelter at this park is obvious, but not the best possible shelter since it is above ground and one end is exposed for a 2 x 4 missile to smash through and impale an entire row of people. The biggest problem with tornadoes is collateral damage caused by flying debris, that’s why you need to get as low to the ground as possible (under the ground in a basement type shelter is best). So the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared ahead of time. Know where the shelter is ahead of time and make yourself an emergency backpack or suitcase with a first aid kit, water, flashlight (with working batteries), spare medication and whatever you may need in case of emergency. Now you'll feel confident as you grab your emergency bag and head for shelter (don’t forget your cell phone). Be safe out there! Jim