4-5
SECTION 4
TRAVELING WITH YOUR MOTOR HOME
Always allow damp clothing, swimwear,
hunting gear, etc., to dry before stowing.
14. Become familiar with the fire extinguisher
and make sure it is always fully charged. Re-
move and replace it and read instructions so
you know the correct operating procedure be-
fore an emergency happens
15. Make a list of all groceries, fresh meats, veg-
etables, newspapers, etc., that you may need
and try to pick them up during your last fuel
stop of the day. This will prevent leaving a
good parking spot once you have arrived at
your destination.
16. When you sit over the front wheels while
driving, as in a motor home, you have a ten-
dency to crowd the middle of the road. Check
the side view mirror frequently to observe
how close you are driving to the center line.
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 oc-
cupants become familiar with these safe-
ty 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.
·
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.
