RVingAndMore.com

There are several good reasons to stay alert even in RV parks for safety reasons. While most people are good, honest people there are some that are not. Even good RV parks have occasional situations with people and cannot control behavior.

One reason to be alert is the presence of children in many parks. While it is unlikely that a five year old will assault you, an unsupervised child can unhook a connection, move a hose or power cord or do other things without realizing it can be a danger to others. Unplugging the radio is one thing – unplugging the lights to your tow trailer is a little more hazardous unless you check every time you head out.

Slightly higher on the list is paying attention when unpacking. It’s easy to be reaching in the storage area and not see what’s going on around you. Thieves know this and can either slip into your rig - with an “oops..sorry wrong rig!” if caught or walk away with whatever is easy to grab and walk off with.

Sometimes there’s an upset customer at the check in area. Reasons may vary – as a former RV park employee some people were upset at the park because they were full in the height of the season. More than one was upset at having to back the rig up into a space that was available, or upset because they had 30 amp and all the outlets were set up for 50 amp service (easily fixed with a $20 adapter plug or, at this park, borrowed for free – and occasionally not returned!). And sometimes there were occasions to refuse service to someone or ask someone to leave. Few parks like doing this but if there is an issue with an individual, for the safety and comfort of all it does happen occasionally.

The other reason, much more dangerous, is not everyone in parks are on the up and up. Some of those asked to leave was because of alert RV’ers who saw something suspicious and came to the management to report it. Additionally there was the occasional visit from the police department looking for a particular person. In one case it was a man wanted 2000 miles away said to be traveling through the area while another was wanted in connection with the disappearance of a child. One had not been seen while the other was there and gone. Without raising red flags they can blend in and not stand out as running from the law. Although in most situations such people do not want trouble (laying low is their cover) equally you cannot assume that everyone you meet is who they seem to be.

Be alert. If you’re sitting outside enjoying the weather be alert to what is going on around you. If someone acts suspicious pay special attention. It can mean avoiding trouble and also help if someone else is in trouble.