Hurricane season tips for RV crews in Southwest Louisiana

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Southwest Louisiana has been hit hard before, and an RV is not shelter from a hurricane. These are general preparedness tips. Always follow official orders from Calcasieu and Cameron Parish emergency officials and the National Weather Service.

Before the season

• Know your parish evacuation routes. Cameron Parish crews usually evacuate early, north on LA-27.
• Keep your rig road-ready: tires, brakes, hitch and a full tank.
• Ask your park and your employer about their storm policies and rent during evacuations.
• Photograph your rig and belongings for insurance, and keep documents in a waterproof bag.

When a storm is forecast

• Leave early. Towing in a traffic jam with crosswinds is dangerous.
• Have a destination booked inland (north or east), and fill your fuel and propane.
• Secure or remove awnings, slides, skirting and loose gear.
• Sign up for parish alerts and keep a battery radio.

After

• Don't return until officials say roads are open. Flooded roads and downed lines are common.
• Expect housing to be scarce after a storm, since repair crews flood in. Lock in a spot early.