Wildfires are an unfortunate reality of living in California, and the regularity and severity of fires have only increased in recent years. Californians have learned to live with wildfires by taking special precautions and having plans set in place as wildfire season approaches. RVing in Southern California doesn’t need to completely stop during wildfire season, and if you follow these wildfire safety tips for RVers you, too, can safely enjoy RV travel in wildfire areas this fall.
Avoid Active Fire Areas
As far as wildfire safety tips for RVers go, this one should be a no-brainer. As you plan your Southern California RVing road trip, look for areas that are currently not being impacted by wildfire. California is a huge state, and there are countless remarkable places to visit. Of course, fires are anything but predictable, so you may need to change your plans at the last minute. Thankfully, pivoting plans in a motorhome is as easy as can be – with your mode of transport and lodging all connected and mobile.
Be Aware of Danger Levels
If you are planning RV travel in wildfire areas, do your due diligence and check what the posted fire danger levels are. These are typically communicated by state parks or national forests and parks. These warnings – ranging from low to extreme – will tell you the region’s current risk of wildfire as well as some best practices related to that risk. Pay extra close attention to this, as you may need to adjust your camping habits and not utilize campfires or open grills to avoid citations or, worse, start a wildfire yourself.
Have an Emergency Evacuation Plan
If you are planning RV travel in wildfire areas, it is absolutely critical to have a solid evacuation plan should the worst-case scenario occur. First, you should always travel with an emergency kit. Your safety is the most important thing, and if you are forced to evacuate a campground and leave vehicles behind, you should have a pre-packed bag to bring with you. At a minimum, this kit should include extra clothing layers, essential medicine, a first aid kit, food, water, and blankets.
When RVing in Southern California, you should also familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation routes. When possible, you should never camp somewhere with a single point of entry/departure. Everywhere you visit – especially during fire season – should have multiple avenues of escape in case you need to get out quickly.
Lastly, you should familiarize yourself with how to monitor local weather and fire conditions as well as potential threats along your route. Pay attention to weather patterns and threats before and during your trip so you can adjust your plans as needed to keep you and your traveling companions safe.
These are just a few of the more important wildfire safety tips for Rvers, brought to you by 1st Choice RV – the leading provider of motorhome rentals in Southern California. For more tips on how to stay safe and still have an amazing time this fall, give our experts a call. We’re always happy to help!
Connect with Us