For many women who love the freedom of RVing, safety on the road is a top priority. As a female RVer myself, I’ve often been asked if I ever feel scared or vulnerable while traveling alone. The truth is, most of the time, I experience great comfort when I’m camping, and I’ve developed a personal safety plan that helps me feel secure and confident on my journeys. In this blog post, I’m going to share my personal safety tips and tricks, which I hope will be helpful to fellow female RVers seeking peace of mind on the road.
1. Choose the Right Campgrounds:
One of the key choices I make to boost my confidence as an RVer is selecting campgrounds wisely. I typically opt for state or National Parks, Corp of Engineers (also known as a COE) sites, or privately owned campgrounds that are known for their safety measures. Here’s why:
– Gated Campgrounds: Many of these campgrounds have gated entrances, which provide an additional layer of security.
– Park Rangers on Patrol: State and National Parks often have park rangers who patrol the area, ensuring the safety of campers.
– On-Site Camp Hosts: Campgrounds with camp hosts on-site are reassuring because you have someone nearby to assist in case of any issues.
– Well-Lit Campgrounds: Good lighting is essential for feeling safe, and these campgrounds are usually well lit, especially in common areas.
2. Rely on Fellow RVers:
I’ve found that the RVing community is incredibly supportive, and fellow travelers often look out for each other. Here are some reasons why I feel safer when other RVers are around:
– Alarm Systems: Many RVers bring along dogs that act as excellent alarm systems. Dogs can alert you to any unusual activity around your campsite.
– Community Watch: RVers tend to form a tight-knit community, and people genuinely look out for each other in these places. If something seems off, you’re likely to get assistance from your neighbors.
3. Be Prepared for Emergencies:
While I mostly feel safe while RVing, I’ve had a couple of experiences that made me realize the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Here’s what I do to ensure I’m ready for any situation:
– Rechargeable Police Flashlight: A powerful flashlight is essential for safety. I carry a rechargeable police flashlight that can light up a city block with ease.
– First Aid Kit: I always have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand with bandages, ointment, aspirin, ice packs, and other essentials.
– Weather Radio: In case of severe weather, I carry a weather radio. Cell and Wi-Fi reception can be unreliable in remote areas, so it’s good to have a backup.
– Toolkit: My toolkit includes items like duct tape, bungee cords, a tire pressure gauge, and a tarp for any unexpected repairs or situations.
– Safety Checks: I regularly check the batteries in my detectors (carbon monoxide, LP, and smoke alarms) and practice opening my emergency exit windows.
– Emergency Plan: I’ve typed up an emergency plan that covers various scenarios, including weather emergencies, fires, intruders, and medical issues.
As a female RVer, personal safety on the road is paramount. By choosing the right campgrounds, relying on the RVing community, and being prepared for emergencies, I’ve been able to enjoy my travels with peace of mind. I hope these safety tips and the items on my checklist will be helpful to other female RVers looking to fortify their own safety plans. Remember, with the right preparation and mindset, RVing can be a safe and empowering adventure. Safe travels, fellow RV queens!
