We have been long time 5th wheelers but have yet to travel to states in the tornado belt, etc. When stopped at an RV park do any or all of them have some type of tornado shelter nearby or what do you do? Sounds like a silly question for people that are accustomed to that issue but we are not but plan to make a trip that direction soon.
I live in N. Louisiana, in my 5th wheeler and matter o' fact, we had a tornado a few days ago. We don't think about it til there's an emergency msg on tv giving us a tornado warning that it's coming g straight for us. But knowing where the nearest cinderblock building w/no plate-glass windows is good. Of course I keep my canopy rolled in with slightest winds, since I live in mine 24/7 and I'm in a familiar area, I'm not looking for shelter last minute. But in the past, I ducked into the grocery store.
Thank you for asking this question. I have felt the same way as you. I always ask at check-in as to where their shelter is for storms. Most people that live in the tornado belt are accustomed to the storms and just go about their business. However those of us who don't have a right to be cautious and ask what to do. Best of luck on your travels and enjoy your journey!
When in the Army, from California and under tornado watch I asked my friends about what to do. To a man they said spread out at the various Officers’ Clubs and go to the bar.
I grew up in the Midwest. We didn’t plan our lives around tornados. Didn’t even think about it.
Generally no, most campgrounds do not have purpose built tornado shelters. However; most do have facilities that can be used as shelters during potential storms such as camp stores, laundry buildings, bath houses, etc. I’ve lived in tornado regions all of my life. We have never made a campground decision that involved any consideration for tornados. It’s just a non-issue, YOMV.
Do you also consider you may be struck by lightning, a plane could fall from the sky, the camper next to you may explode, and thousands more catastrophes that could befall you?
Ya, greater chance of getting struck by lightning while out trying to find the tornado shelter or for any reason, than getting swept away along with Dorothy and Toto!
Sounds like a case of typical elderly paranoia. As we age, normal people become more “aware” or “cautious”. Make sense, right? Older and wiser. Things don’t heal as fast. A bad fart can throw your back out. Etc.
Now fast forward that a few more years.
Your buddy Bob died of ______. Your friend Ethel broke her hip. You got some pains or ailments going on.
Even moreso now combine that with sitting around on the internet and reading…probably too much.
Next thing you know, you’re worried about that one tire that sat out in the sun blowing up and a cicada invasion and….tornadoes because you just saw the early season one in Michigan on Facebook or Geezernet news.
Now suddenly you’re like my in-laws. They’re afraid of skin cancer (because they moved to the desert but don’t go outside long enough to get a sunburn much less a tan), bombs from Iran and that “recall” they read about on their 13 year old Acura!
Fck oh dear….its hard to talk to them some days.
Point being, just go camping! Don’t worry about chit that has a very low likelihood of harming you and/or things you can’t control.
you ok? sounds like you need to get that rv out there....
haha I grew up in a area where we had a few tornados towards mid july and aug, well more than a few but only a few ever touched down. used to be awsome camping down by the lake watching them form, and when they did touch down 99.9% of the time they just dammage some farm crop. they were just summer storms to us. no one payed them any attention unless they looked like they were close to some ones farm house.
Thanks, just a curious traveler.
Long time Good Sam member first time here. Some of you people are terrible. Someone asks a simple question and you go on the attack and try to berate them. Lighten up. I'm guessing you are perfect or unhappy in your own life.
Lral, best suggestion would be to get a weather radio to alert you of incoming weather. If you have a TV you can usually get local stations over an antenna which would give you some advance warning. Using an app like campendium allows you to check out campgrounds before booking and get an idea what is around for services. Happy trails!
