kahoona
Marathon, Conch Republic
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Joined: 09/27/2007
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HI
We live in the FL Keys. As many others do we keep the RV ready with a full tank of gas. We always keep emergency food and water during the storm season.The RV stays in its regular driveway.
We feel that the key to evacuation is to make our stay/go decision well ahead of time and not wait for the evacuation order. We determine the maximum wind we can tolerate with everything battened down. That is usually a "2" storm. Then we monitor the internet weather sources to decide what we will get here as opposed to the intensity at the eye wall. We apply a liberal safety margin then decide to stay or go at least 48 hrs ahead of time and if we go we pick a nice destination, and go on vacation till it is over. We have never had a problem getting out but we do not have to leave often.
The key here is to stay away from the hype on the TV weather and news station.They sell advertising with disaster news, not information. Many times the conditions where we are live are mild compared to those farther north on our evacuation route. If you think you will have to go you must go early to avoid the jams.
Kahoona
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floridacamper
Florida/Georgia Line
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Joined: 03/25/2002
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I say if you can leave early, take it, if not, leave it at home.
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RichardFM
Fort Pierce, FL
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Joined: 04/15/2005
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houhjc wrote:rockhillmanor wrote:BTW, just 'when' is the main part of hurricane season?
My plans have changed and I have to make the trip to Florida in 10 days prior to heading to California. Please tell me I won't be in the middle of all that! 
June 1st to November 1st is hurricane season. officially. Officially, yes. However, the "Hot" months are August and September.
2005 Itasca Meridian 34HD
Fort Mountain, GA
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jnharley
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Joined: 03/04/2004
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I think getting out after an evacuation has been ordered would be impossible for our area. You must cross a bridge and/or go through a tunnel to leave the area. Add the people evacuating from the Outer Banks through our area and it will be gridlock. Fortunately, the Tidewater area seems to miss much of the hurricane action because we protrude out into the Atlantic. I would leave a couple of days before an anticipated evacuation depending on the storm size.
2004.5 Silver Dodge diesel dually
2004 Sunnybrook 391 SUT Toy Hauler
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martypayne
Southeast Texas
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Joined: 03/18/2008
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We live in Friendswood and we took ours during Rita. Had no one ask nor would I have let anyone in. Took 12 hours to get to Katy and another 12 to get to Austin. Pulled into RV park, to be parked next to a group from Spring, took them only 6 hours. Imagine that they evacuate from almost 100 miles north of Houston and it only takes them 6 hours........Maybe if they stayed home those of us in the mandatory area would not of had to spend 24 hours on the road. Also for some of us that still work, leaving early is not an option, we have to be released before we can go, no sick time, vacation can be used to try and get out early.
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Kennedycamper
Algoa, Texas
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Joined: 05/24/2006
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We did take our RV when evacuating Rita, and it was good. We had a bathroom, Kitchen, and room for some stuff to take with us. We made it to Livingston in 10 hours, and then went on to Bryon/College Station area. It wasn't that bad to pull in the traffic. I was thankfull I had a diesel as all the stations were out of gasoline, but had diesel fuel. To all the people who say "Leave Early". That's what people would do if their employers would cut you loose earlier; however, no one is going to leave early & not have a job when they return.
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Retired Wileys
Lake Jackson, Tx USA
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Joined: 04/08/2004
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We live between Galveston and Houston so we evacuated Rita also. Due to my husband's health we leave our trailer at Coushatta Recreational Ranch in Bellville year round and go visit it. The prices are listed on their web site and it's 10 miles from Interstate 10 and I would highly recommend it. You can pm me for any further information.
Herschal & Pam Wiley
2003 2500HD Crewcab Chevy
26H 2000 Prowler LS w/slide
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CarNDen
Pensacola, Fl
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Joined: 10/25/2005
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We're not in an evacuation zone and have sat out several Hurricanes. We had Motorhomes in the past and they did just fine parked up beside the house. We just went out early, before gas lines formed, and filled the gas and then filled the fresh water. After Ivan we were happy to have the Motorhome to live in for three weeks before the electric came back on. We ran a long cord from the motorhome into the house and plugged in the fridg and a lamp.
We have a 5th wheel now and bought a generator for emergencies. With the 5th wheel I think I would fill all the holding tanks plus the freshwater tank for the weight. I think if it were a strong storm I would lower the nose of the trlr as low as it would go until after the storm.
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ladymc53
Canyon Lake, Texas
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Joined: 04/20/2007
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CarNDen wrote:We're not in an evacuation zone and have sat out several Hurricanes. We had Motorhomes in the past and they did just fine parked up beside the house. We just went out early, before gas lines formed, and filled the gas and then filled the fresh water. After Ivan we were happy to have the Motorhome to live in for three weeks before the electric came back on. We ran a long cord from the motorhome into the house and plugged in the fridg and a lamp.
We have a 5th wheel now and bought a generator for emergencies. With the 5th wheel I think I would fill all the holding tanks plus the freshwater tank for the weight. I think if it were a strong storm I would lower the nose of the trlr as low as it would go until after the storm.
Good thinking on the weight and lowering the nose. I just don't think I'm ever going to have to worry about hurricanes anymore - Canyon Lake is far enough north I'm not going to have to worry about it.
Bill & Linda
Ladymc & Shuttlebird
2008 Silver Dodge Diesel Dually 3500 - "The Silver Bullet"
Towing 1998 35 ft. Newmar 5th wheel
20K Husky Hitch & Blue Ox Bedsaver
Handheld Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS AND Sat. in dash mounted GPS in the truck
READY TO ROLL!
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Alohaloie
Florida
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Joined: 05/26/2007
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We live in SW Florida and realize preparing for hurricanes is simply a yearly necessity. We are retired and therefore able to leave early. We never question that decision. If we are in the cone, we leave at least 2 full days early. First, it gives us time to prep the house and take the pets. Second, it affords those who can not leave early one less vehicle to deal with when they can evacuate. Third, because we are really not physically able to help much with clean up and recovery, by being out of the way, we do not consume needed resources in an area trying to meet emergency needs. Meanwhile, we monitor conditions from a safe distance and return when it is declared safe. The hurricane season is from June 1 through Nov 30, with the majority of storms in Aug, Sept and early Oct.
Folks, an RV can be a great asset in an emergency, just one more reason to value our prized rigs....but have it ready to go, and it you can, get out of Dodge and clear the way for the next guy.
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