Tropical storm season in Hawaii is no walk in the park when it comes to securing your recreational vehicles. Knowing how to store boats in RVs responsibly is essential for those living in hurricane-prone destinations. With proper precautions and know-how, you can help protect your vehicles from any storms headed your way.
Saf Keep Storage is here with your comprehensive guide on how to prepare for a tropical storm, from choosing the right storage option to prepping your vehicle to withstand the elements.
When is Tropical Storm Season in Hawaii?
Hawaiian hurricane season occurs between June 1 and November 30, with peak tropical storm activity from July to September. While it’s been several decades since a hurricane hit any of Hawaii’s major islands, several named storms have made their presence known through heavy rains, damaging winds, and significant flooding.
While Hawaiian residents typically have ample time to prepare for these weather events, having a plan ready for the surprise arrival of a tropical storm is vital to helping your vehicles stay protected.
Vehicle Storage During Tropical Storm Season
Before you begin searching for the ideal place for RV or boat storage, follow this to-do list of steps to take to prepare vehicles of all varieties for severe weather:
Preparing Vehicles for Tropical Storm Season
- Protect valuable documents. Essential documents like insurance papers and permits should be removed from your vehicle and stored elsewhere.
- Find a secure spot. Vehicles should be stored high and away from trees and bodies of water, such as at a secured vehicle storage facility.
- Cover it up. Bring in slide-outs and awnings, check that all doors and windows are securely shut and locked, and place a durable cover over your vehicle, propane tanks, and tires.
- Turn everything off. Disconnect the batteries, propane, water, and electrical systems.
- Keep it clear. Secure any loose objects to prevent them from becoming projectiles during strong winds.
- Double-check insurance. Confirm that your vehicle insurance policy is active and includes protection against storm damage.
- Take a picture. If you lack a recent one, snap a photo of your vehicle for insurance purposes.
RV Storage Tips for Tropical Storms
- Hold to the ground. Use solid and heavy-duty tie-downs or ground anchors to keep your RV stable and reduce the risk of it being displaced or overturned by high winds.
- Protect windows and vents. Cover windows and vents with storm shutters or durable plywood to safeguard your RV’s interior from water and airborne debris.
- Soak up moisture. Use moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity and minimize the risk of mold and mildew developing indoors.
- Elevate the vehicle. Place your RV on blocks to help lower the risk of flooding.
Boat Storage Tips for Tropical Storms
- Double up docklines. Add extra dock lines if you’re keeping your boat in the water. Use chafe protectors to limit wear, and be sure the cleats are secure.
- Close valves. All exterior holes and entrances in the hull should be sealed off, except for drains.
- Tack on fenders. Add additional fenders to help protect the sides of your boat during transportation or at your dock.
- Stay on land. Whether at a dock or out at sea, you should never spend a tropical storm on board your vessel.
Secure Your Boat or RV at Saf Keep Storage
This tropical storm season, you should keep your valued vehicles somewhere you can feel confident. Saf Keep Storage (and other SKS-managed locations) offers vehicle storage, including our storage facility in Kailua-Kona. You can rest easy knowing that your boat or RV is being kept in one of our secure spaces.
Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our convenient, affordable offerings!
