Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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RV and Mobile Living Resilience

Life on the road offers unparalleled freedom, but it also demands heightened awareness of potential challenges, especially when disaster strikes. Whether you're a full-time RV dweller or a weekend camper, preparedness is key to ensuring safety and comfort.  

Short-Term Preparation

  • Assemble a compact, easily accessible kit containing essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, medications, important documents, and a phone charger.
  • Physical maps: Keep physical maps on-hand in the event your GPS does not work. You can request free maps from state tourism sites – see the full list of state sites here.
  • Secure Loose Items: Secure any loose items inside your RV to prevent damage during strong winds or earthquakes.
  • Know Your Surroundings: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, local emergency shelters, and nearby gas stations for fuel.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition, with plenty of fuel and a spare tire.
  • Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with family and friends, including an out-of-state contact.
  • Keep a fully charged portable power station for essentials like phones, radios, and small appliances.
  • Use solar panels or a generator rated for RV use to recharge batteries or run key systems.
  • Carry extra extension cords, adapters, and surge protectors.
  • Maintain at least a partially filled fresh water tank when traveling.
  • Store extra drinking water in collapsible containers or jugs.
  • Carry water purification tablets or a portable water filter for backup.
  • Don’t rely solely on campground hookups—plan for self-sufficiency.
  • Regularly empty your black and gray water tanks, especially before storms or long travel days.
  • Keep extra RV-safe toilet paper, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, and deodorizers on hand.
  • In a pinch, use portable toilet bags or bucket toilet kits if tank systems fail.
  • Local news: Stay updated on local weather and emergency alerts. Rely on multiple sources of information to verify accuracy. 
  • FEMA App: Download the FEMA app for location-based alerts.
  • Emergency plans: If possible, have a plan in place with a family member or friend who lives outside of a heavily populated area.
  • Have a plan to relocate quickly if high winds or hazardous weather are expected.
  • Retract awnings, stow outdoor gear, and secure the RV before storms.

Long-Term Preparation

  • Invest in solar panels and a charge controller to create a renewable energy source.
  • Add extra battery storage (deep cycle or lithium) for extended off-grid capability.
  • Maintain a fuel supply for generators, and rotate it regularly to prevent degradation.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to reduce power demand.
  • Install larger or auxiliary fresh water tanks if space allows.
  • Use rainwater catchment systems (if permitted) with proper filtration.
  • Keep a long-term supply of water purification tablets, filters, or a gravity-fed system.
  • Maintain a greywater reuse setup for tasks like flushing or outdoor use.
  • Store a rotating supply of shelf-stable foods like rice, beans, canned goods, and freeze-dried meals.
  • Use airtight bins to protect from pests and temperature swings.
  • If allowed, maintain a small container garden or vertical herb setup.
  • Consider a small fridge/freezer powered by solar or battery backup.
  • Get familiar with local emergency services, evacuation routes, and weather patterns.
  • Build rapport with neighbors or RV park staff for mutual support in emergencies.
  • Understand your park’s emergency procedures and utility shutoff points.