RVers head for shelter as tornado bears down

We are staying at the Indiana State Fair Grounds RV park in Indianapolis. Last night tornado sirens sounded and we headed to our designated storm shelter. In the midwest many RV parks have either a dedicated storm shelter or a building with a basement which does double duty. The National Weather Service and local TV and radio stations will warn you in advance of approaching storms with tornadic potential. This advance notice will help you prepare for the worst. First of all you need to know where the nearest designated shelter is located. Next prepare your RV by lowering the TV antenna and retracting the awnings and slides. The wind gusts associated with these storms will blow your awning into the next county and hail will puncture holes in your slide out awnings. Grab a sturdy plastic grocery sack or other suitable bag and throw in a couple bottles of water, your cell phone, a flash light, a couple granola bars, medicine, money, portable radio, dog leash and anything else you might need. Set this bag by the door. If the warning siren sounds or the National Weather Service directs you to seek shelter you’ll be ready to go. If you are not prepared and the warning sounds go to the shelter anyway you can always replace your stuff but a tornado will kill you. We spent a pleasant and somewhat anxious evening in the shelter with our fellow RVers as it rained sideways outside. Our RVs weathered the storm but a shot distance from the park an apartment complex was devastated by the tornado. Being prepared is your best insurance against calamity. Helping keep you safe - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing