Making an RV Hurricane Plan: Contacts, Documents, and Decision Points

Preparing supplies is only half of hurricane readiness. The other half is a plan: who you will call, what documents you will grab, and the specific points at which you will decide to leave. When a storm is approaching, stress makes decisions harder. A written plan made in calm weather lets you act instead of scramble.

This guide walks full-time RVers through building a written hurricane plan. It complements our post on getting your RV site ready before hurricane season, which focuses on supplies and site prep. For weather throughout the year, see our pillar on Texas weather and your RV.

Why RVers Need a Written Plan

An RV is not built to withstand hurricane-force winds, and flooding can make roads impassable. Full-time RVers also have unique considerations: the RV is both home and, sometimes, the vehicle you would evacuate in. You may also have pets, a tow vehicle, and a job that expects you to show up.

A written plan helps you:

• Make decisions based on criteria set in advance
• Avoid forgetting important steps
• Communicate clearly with family, employers, and park management
• Stay calmer when conditions change quickly

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Write or update your plan each spring.

Part One: Your Contact List

Build a contact list and keep it both on your phone and on paper. Phones can die, get wet, or lose signal. Include:

• Family and close friends, including one out-of-area contact everyone can check in with
• Park management, with the preferred contact method
• Your employer or supervisor
• Insurance agents for your RV, vehicle, and health coverage
• Your veterinarian and a backup pet boarding option
• Doctors and pharmacy
• Roadside assistance or towing
• Local emergency management and non-emergency police numbers

At our park, much communication happens by text, so make sure management has your current number and that you have theirs saved.

Part Two: Your Document Kit

Gather important documents in a waterproof pouch or folder that you can grab in seconds:

• Photo IDs
• Vehicle and RV registration and titles
• Insurance policies and cards
• Your site agreement
• Medical records, prescriptions, and a list of medications
• Pet vaccination records and photos of each pet
• Bank and credit card information
• A copy of your contact list

Also keep digital copies in secure cloud storage. Take photos and video of your RV interior and exterior, and of valuable belongings, before the season starts.

Part Three: Your Destinations

Decide in advance where you might go. Consider:

• Family or friends farther inland
• Hotels that accept pets, if you have them
• Public shelters, noting whether they accept pets
• Another RV park outside the storm’s likely path, if you plan to move the RV

List at least two options in different directions, since a storm’s track can shift. Include addresses and phone numbers.

Part Four: Your Decision Points

Decision points are the heart of a plan. Write down the conditions that will trigger each action. For example:

1. A storm forms in the Gulf. Check supplies, fill fuel tanks, refill prescriptions, and review your plan.
2. The Houston region enters the forecast cone. Confirm destinations, secure outdoor items, and do laundry.
3. Watches or warnings are issued for the area. Decide whether to leave, and if leaving with the RV, prepare to move early.
4. Officials advise evacuation for your area. Leave according to your plan.

Your specific triggers should reflect your comfort level, your RV, and official guidance. Follow the National Weather Service and local emergency management, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Leaving early is almost always easier and safer than leaving late.

Part Five: Taking the RV or Leaving It

One of the biggest decisions is whether to move your RV or leave it at the park. Consider:

• Is the RV roadworthy, with good tires and a working tow setup?
• Can you handle driving it in heavy traffic and wind?
• Do you have a destination that can take an RV?
• How much time do you have?

If you move the RV, go early, before winds rise and traffic builds. High-profile vehicles are vulnerable to strong wind.

If you leave the RV at the park:

• Retract slides and awnings
• Close propane valves
• Unplug electronics and turn off breakers as appropriate
• Secure doors, windows, and storage bays
• Take valuables and documents with you
• Let management know you are leaving and how to reach you

Remember that many parks have rules about covers and outdoor items. At our park, tarps and covers are not permitted on RVs, and items may not be stored on or under the site.

Part Six: Pets in the Plan

Pets need their own plan. Pack food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, waste bags, and vaccination records. Know which destinations accept pets. Never leave pets behind in an RV during a storm. Our post on why RV parks restrict aggressive breeds discusses pet documentation that is also useful during evacuations.

Part Seven: Power and Heat After the Storm

Power outages can last days after a storm, and Texas heat can be dangerous. Plan how you will stay cool and safe. Our post on reducing RV air conditioner strain offers tips that apply when power returns and systems restart.

Part Eight: Returning Home

Return only when officials say it is safe. When you arrive:

• Watch for downed lines, flooded roads, and fallen trees
• Inspect the RV before reconnecting utilities
• Photograph any damage for insurance
• Report park issues to management; our Residents page includes a maintenance request form

Practice and Update Your Plan

Review your plan every spring and after any major life change, such as a new pet, vehicle, or job. Walk through it with anyone who lives with you. Check that documents are current and supplies have not expired. A plan you have practiced is much easier to follow in a real emergency.

A Simple Plan Template

If you are starting from scratch, use this outline:

• Household members and pets
• Contact list
• Document checklist
• Destination options with addresses
• Decision points and actions
• RV departure checklist
• Pet plan
• Return checklist

Keep a printed copy in your document pouch and a digital copy on your phone.

Talking With Your Employer

Many full-time RVers near Houston are working residents, and storms affect jobs as well as homes. Before the season, ask your employer how they handle severe weather: whether work sites close, how you will be notified, and what they expect if you evacuate. Add your supervisor’s contact information to your plan and agree on how you will check in. Knowing this ahead of time removes one source of stress when a storm is approaching, and it helps you set decision points that work for both your safety and your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be in an RV hurricane plan?

A contact list, document kit, destination options, decision points for leaving, an RV departure checklist, a pet plan, and a return checklist.

Should I evacuate in my RV?

It depends on your RV’s condition, your driving comfort, time available, and destinations. If you move it, leave early before winds rise.

When should I update my hurricane plan?

Each spring before June 1, and after major changes such as a new pet, vehicle, or job.

How will the park communicate during a storm?

Ask management before the season. At our park, much communication happens by text, so keep your phone number current.

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