Camping Safety Tips Keep RVers Safe

The horrific flash flood that ripped through a remote Arkansas campground, claiming the lives of 19 campers, brought home the unpredictability of nature. Families camping at the remote Albert Pike Recreation Area certainly didn’t expect to be fighting for their lives when they parked their RVs for the weekend. When tragedy struck in the middle of the night, most campers were sleeping, unaware of the flash flood warning issued at 2 a.m.

When you set out in your RV for a camping weekend, few people expect to battle a natural disaster. But floods and fires do occur, often with little warning. To ensure your family’s safety when camping, RV campers should follow these safety tips:

> When checking into a campground, register your campsite location and note any warnings.

> Know the safest way out of the campground by road, but also decide the route you’ll travel if forced to hike out.

> Designate a check point in case of disaster so family members know where to meet if separated. 

> Carry a battery-powered NOAA weather radio and act quickly if warnings are issued. 

> When choosing a campsite, check overhead for dead tree limbs that could be hazardous in high winds.

> If camping near water, look for debris up banks and in trees for indications of previous flooding and potential flood height.