RVers do not normally plan their outings in thunderstorms or other inclement weather. If we knew we'd be spending our vacations undercover, we'd probably reschedule our tours. But storms occur year-round in almost every place in the world, making them a fact we just have to accept. And the acceptance of storms should prompt us to prepare for how storms can affect us when we are out in our RVs. Contact RV dealers in Mississippi to buy your own. The basic preparation is an emergency preparedness kit that includes a first aid kit. Make sure to use it regularly Make sure nothing has been used Make sure it has passed its expiration date Thunderstorm facts The definition of a severe thunderstorm is a production of hail one inch in diameter (quarter-sized) or winds of 58 mph or more. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), "Each year across America there are an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes and 6 called hurricanes." The NWS pointed out that weather disasters result in about 500 deaths annually. Every thunderstorm produces lightning. Thunderstorms can generate strong winds that can damage property. Thunderstorms can cause flash floods. Lightning kills more people annually than tornadoes or hurricanes. A thunderstorm O'CLOCK means that the conditions are right for a thunderstorm to develop in the clock's area. Be ready to take cover or evacuate. A THUNDERSTORM WARNING means that a severe thunderstorm has been reported or detected on radar, threatening property or life. Take cover or evacuate when it's time and a safe escape route. Stay informed about your local weather Unless you've gone RVing in the desert, there will be an opportunity to watch the weather and learn about upcoming thunderstorms. Cell phones, Internet weather reports, NOAA radio, TV news and weather stations, and local warning systems are just a few of the ways we are alerting to weather threats. If you want to stay at an RV park, chances are the park owner or manager will let park guests know when the severe weather is approaching. But it doesn't hurt to ask if you're registering statuses about storms or tornadoes, local warning systems, flood history, escape routes, typical weather and temperatures etc. NOAA NWS, WeatherBug, Weather.com, and dozens of online weather sites can give you a three to ten-day forecast. Check your RV and website for security Most RVers like shady pitches on the hot summer days. But shadows usually come from the trees. Check the trees and shrubs in your location for strong branches or those that might snap in high winds. Large branches can cause serious damage to your RV or vehicle, if not injury to people. If you notice weak branches ask your park owner to trim them. Check your website for chairs, tables, toys, BBQs, and other small objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Bring them inside, tie them or secure them in some way. Bring your animals inside during any kind of inclement weather. Get your emergency preparedness kit out. Make sure your outside camp doors are closed and locked. Retract your awning and make sure it is securely fastened. Close and lock your windows. If you're going to evacuate, leave early and make sure you're not heading into the storm. Take Cover Before The Storm Arrives The safest place to go during a thunderstorm, when you can't evacuate, is a basement of a sturdy building. This area will give you the greatest protection from lightning, winds, tornadoes and flying objects. The next safest area is an indoor room with no windows and lots of walls between you and the storm. If you don't have a building sheltering in a vehicle (car or truck) is the next safest place. Just keep the windows closed. Like mobile homes, RVs can be blown away in high winds. They're not the safest place to be. But if you have no other choice, try to stay in a hallway or at least away from windows and closets that can fly open turning their contents into projectiles. If you hear lightning or thunder, stay inside. Stay within about 30 minutes of hearing the last thunderclap. Disconnects electronics such as TVs, DVDs, computers, coffee pots, etc. Use appliances and battery-powered devices. A battery-powered NOAA radio would come in very handy at a time like this. Do not touch plumbing or metal. Don't do anything with running water like washing dishes or taking a shower. Other Dangers Flooding can be a problem both during and after a severe thunderstorm. If you are in a low area, move to a higher level. Some pitches have a flood meter showing five or six feet above their entry driveway. If you are driving and come across a flooded roadway, try not to drive through it. They might wash away if the water moves quickly. Or, if there are downed power lines in that water, you could get an electric shock. Lightning strikes can split trees, break off large branches and start wildfires. If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911 and begin CPR immediately. If you don't know how to do CPR, please take a moment to learn. The American Heart Association has a "Learn CPR in One Minute 8 Seconds" course that teaches CPR well enough for anyone to provide effective CPR in such an emergency. Updated by Camping Expert Monica Prelle Receive free travel deals in your inbox Receive exclusive discounts on everything from 5-star resorts to flights.