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SECTION 4
TRAVELING WITH YOUR MOTOR HOME
SEVERE
WEATHER
INFORMATION
One of the more serious conditions affecting
the motor home traveler and camper is that of the
weather. Whether you travel the high mountain
terrain, the lower deserts and flatland or the
plains of the midwest, the weather is always with
you and subject to change, sometimes with little
or no warning. However, adequate warnings are
normally broadcast over local radio and TV sta-
tions.
Motor home travelers and campers often seek
secluded areas for weekend recreation or extend-
ed summer vacations. Many recreational areas
are vulnerable to severe weather situations, espe-
cially flash flooding conditions. A few simple
precautions may help lessen the hazards of flash
flooding or reduce your immediate involvement.
NOTE: We recommend that all motor home
occupants become familiar with these
safety precautions, and be alert to
change in weather.
· Be alert, because thunderstorms can form at
any time, in any month of the year. Thunder-
storms can produce large amounts of rain
over a small area in a short time, which may
result in a flash flood. Listen frequently to
weather reports on the radio for weather and
flood conditions.
· When camping near a stream, leave plenty of
sloping bank between you and the stream.
· Avoid deep canyons and dry washes during
stormy or threatening weather. Be aware of
alternate exits.
· If heavy rain occurs, move to high ground im-
mediately (at least 30-40 feet above the can-
yon floor or bottom of dry wash).
· During a flash flood, if you cannot move your
vehicle, abandon it. Do not attempt to return
to your vehicle before the water has receded.
4-6
· Do not attempt to wade to your vehicle if the
water is above your knees - fast moving water
exerts an enormous amount of pressure, mak-
ing it impossible to remain standing or walk-
ing.
· Do not try to drive through flooded areas.
· Follow instructions of local authorities.
Leave immediately when advised to do so.
Many lives have been lost because people did
not heed warnings.
· Have on hand survival supplies for several
days, including food, water, first aid equip-
ment and necessary medications. In desert ar-
eas during hot weather allow 3-4 gallons of
drinking water per person, per day.
· Before you leave home, inform someone of
your destination and when you expect to re-
turn. Authorities at your destination should
be notified immediately if you do not arrive
on time.
REMEMBER THESE TERMS:
WATCH: Severe weather may develop in the
specified area. Be alert and prepare for possibility
of an emergency.
WARNING: Severe weather is occurring or is
imminent in certain areas. Move to a safe loca-
tion immediately.
We highly recommend that you obtain a
weather-band radio that lets you hear up-to-date
weather reports from local offices of the National
Weather Service (NWS). Recorded messages
that last from three to five minutes are replayed
continuously around the clock with updates
about every three or four hours. When severe
weather threatens, these messages are updated
more frequently. If necessary, the weather ser-
vice will interrupt with storm watches and warn-
ings and live reports when the situation demands.
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