As a female RVer, I get the question frequently, “aren’t you scared?” I can honestly say that I mostly experience great comfort when I am camping, and for several reasons.
One of the RVing choices I make that gives me confidence is the fact that I typically camp in some sort of State or National Park, Corp of Engineers or privately owned campground with loads of other RVers. The campgrounds tend to be gated, have park rangers on patrol, a camp host on site, and are somewhat well-lit. I personally love when other RVers have dogs, because they serve as awesome little alarm systems. I also think that people are genuinely looking out for each other in these places.
I have had two experiences that scared me and I quickly learned something from each of them. One was when my husband and I were camping midweek and ended up being the only campers in our section with no camp host on-site. A “local” sniffed us out within an hour of setting up camp with the ole “have you seen my lost dog” line, trying to size us up. I could not sleep a wink that night. Solution? Know where the camp host is, inquire if rangers patrol the area, is it gated and is there a curfew, etc. And the other was a tornado weather situation. Solution? Carry a weather radio in case cell and wifi reception are not available.
Here is my short list of things I do or have on hand to help me with peace of mind when I am on the road:
- Rechargeable police flashlight – I love this thing. Lights up a city block with ease. They come in a variety of price ranges.
- First aid kit – bandages, first aid ointment, aspirin, ice pack, etc.
- Weather radio and know where to shelter at the campsite, if needed.
- Cell phone with back up battery charger – my weather radio can charge it, too.
- Tool kit with items like duct tape, bungees, a tarp, and a tire gauge.
- I double check all of my detector batteries for carbon monoxide, LP, and smoke.
- I practice opening my emergency exit windows.
- I typed up an emergency plan in case of weather, fire, intruder, or medical.
You will be amazed how just a few items can help put your heart and head at ease. And as time goes on, you will gain experience and hear more ideas that will fortify your plan.
