You are in control!

Safe Travels = Happy Trails

As we embrace the joys of RVing and the open road, safety remains a top priority. This month's Mile Marker is packed with essential tips to ensure your journeys are not only exciting but also secure. From navigating diverse weather conditions to staying connected responsibly, we've got you covered.

🌦️ Weather Safety in Your RV: Explore expert advice on handling various weather scenarios on the road, ensuring that you are prepared to navigate unexpected twists in the forecast.

🌐 Internet Safety: Discover the latest strategies to keep your online experiences secure while on the go. Stay connected with peace of mind as you explore new horizons.

🔥 Campfire Safety: Join forces with the iconic Smokey Bear. Learn how to enjoy the warmth without compromising the wilderness.

🚗 Motorist Resources and Distracted-Driving Laws: Access Family RVing magazine’s state-by-state/province-by-province list of resources for motorists, coupled with the latest updates on distracted-driving laws. Stay informed and drive responsibly.

🛑 General RV Safety: Dive into a roundup of overall safety tips, ensuring that every aspect of your RV adventure is as safe as it is thrilling.

Adventure safely!

The FMCA Team

FMCAssist In Action

On May 30, 2023, we witnessed FMCAssist firsthand. Words fall short trying to express our gratitude. We were camping with friends at Anderson Speedway in Indiana when our friend had a heart attack. He passed peacefully at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson hospital in Anderson, Indiana. His wife of 60+ years does not drive the RV and their home is in Wyoming, Michigan. Enter FMCAssist and Hammer Transport Services, LLC (Texas). Amazing - start to finish. When something like this happens, there are a lot of moving parts and coordination.

The biggest hurdle during a crisis is remembering names, contacts, forms, paperwork, and are you an FMCA member. Once the initial call was made, the process started. The outcome exceeded our expectations. Our heartfelt thanks; a friend told us about FMCA a few years ago and we joined. He has experienced FMCAssist as well. You can be assured we are enthusiastic advocates of FMCA, and we ARE spreading the news!

Our prayers for continued service and stamina! For the people who have made/make FMCA possible! Thank you, thank you!

Dan & Annette Estelle, F495139

FMCAssist emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage is available to FMCA members worldwide as long as you are more than 75 miles from home. Full-time RVers are always considered 75 miles from home. This valuable benefit is automatically included with your FMCA membership.

Are you looking for exclusive tech-related discounts? FMCA’s Tech Connect+ plan offers discounts on mobile internet plans from AT&T and other carriers that provide amazing internet coverage while you’re on the road, plus other great tech-related discounts from DishForMyRV, WiFiRanger, CellBooster.us, and more. Click here for more information.

Be Weather Aware

As RV travelers, it’s important to keep an eye on developing weather conditions. You’ll want to do more than look out the window to gauge whether a storm may be on the horizon. Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking.

Know your location. If you’re on the road in an unfamiliar area, make note of what county you’re in. Learn the names of adjoining counties as well.

Be prepared. The old scouting motto rings true here, because heavy wind, rain, and snow, not to mention tornadoes and hurricanes, can pop up unexpectedly. The National Weather Service recommends that you use multiple communication methods to stay apprised of impending situations. Have a weather app on your phone, of course. Other apps, such as those from local TV stations, can help you stay up to date on breaking weather news. Consider buying an emergency hand-crank weather radio, such as this one from Midland, which includes AM-FM stations and NOAA weather scanning; it also charges external devices such as cellphones.

Grab and go. Make sure you have an emergency kit packed. Lazydays.com suggests including these items: flashlight and batteries, road flares, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, blanket, waterproof poncho, potable water, water purification tablets, nonperishable food, prescription medications, waterproof matches, 12-hour light sticks, tool kit. Add other items according to your own needs, of course, or search the internet for more suggestions for packing a “go bag,” or “72-hour bag.”

Have an exit strategy. If you’re parked in a campground or RV resort and a severe storm is imminent, secure heavy outside items like grills and bring lighter-weight ones inside to prevent flying projectiles. If the storm is life-threatening, yet you have no time to evacuate the premises, do not attempt to ride it out in your vehicle. Take shelter in a campground structure, such as a restroom building. (Upon your arrival at the facility, ask campground staff where their safe areas are.) If you have no place to go, scramble to a spot nearby with the lowest elevation.

The National Weather Service provides timely weather information, including active alerts, occurring across the U.S. Customize your search by entering a city, state, or zip code. Learn the difference between a warning, advisory, and watch. And check their website for many other useful tips.

RV-Related Recall Information

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls . NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.

Internet Safety

In today's digital age, where the internet plays an integral role in our daily lives, it is essential to prioritize online safety. The goal is to mitigate potential risks that could compromise our privacy, security, and overall well-being. FMCA’s IT Department has put together a comprehensive guide that is shared at FMCA convention seminars and aims to equip individuals with crucial insights and practical tips for navigating the digital landscape securely.

Understanding prevalent online threats, such as various types of malware — including viruses, Trojans, worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, botnets, and rootkits — is foundational. Protecting against these threats involves staying vigilant and taking steps such as keeping software updated, using antivirus tools, and regularly backing up data. Phishing, a prevalent form of cyberattack, is explored in-depth in the guide, along with strategies to recognize and safeguard against its various forms, among them email phishing, spear phishing, smishing, and vishing.

The guide emphasizes the importance of creating strong passwords and adopting multi-factor authentication (MFA) to fortify online account security. Additional tips cover cautious sharing of personal information on social media, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, and ensuring secure online shopping practices. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where cyber threats continue to evolve, embracing these practices is crucial for a safe and secure online experience. For any further assistance or advice, individuals can reach out to itdept@fmca.com.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and prioritize your online safety.

Fantasy RV Tours

Whether you have your sights set on Alaska, Canada, the Lower 48, Mexico, or locations overseas, Fantasy RV Tours has you covered! Embark on professionally guided caravans and tours designed exclusively for FMCA members, offering discounted rates for trips to some of the most coveted destinations. All your planning and camping reservations are taken care of, and Fantasy RV Tours will arrange the finest activities to guarantee a hassle-free RV vacation that exceeds your expectations. Secure your spot for the next adventure here.

Medjet

Medjet offers a unique approach to health and safety, giving FMCA members the freedom to choose their hospital in the event of a medical evacuation. With no deductibles, claim forms, or monetary caps on medical transport costs, it's hassle-free and open to travelers under 75 without medical questions. Whether you pick MedjetAssist or MedjetHorizon, you get comprehensive medical transportation and 24/7 travel security services for peace of mind. Plus, FMCA members receive special pricing on this program.

RV Driving School

FMCA and the RV Driving School partner to offer a two-day RV driving class prior to FMCA international conventions, providing participants with both classroom and behind-the-wheel training using their own RV. The comprehensive curriculum covers essential driving skills, including backing, parking, mirror adjustment, transmission operation, and more. By the end of the course, attendees gain the knowledge and confidence needed for safe and effective RV driving. A one-day RV backing class is offered as well. The next sessions take place in Tucson, Arizona, prior to FMCA’s “Fiesta Del Sol” convention: RV Driving, available March 13-18, and RV Backing, March 14-16. Sign up here.

New T-Mobile Collaboration

FMCA is now offering Tech Connect+ MAX with a mobile internet plan from T-Mobile. With no annual contract, and T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network, FMCA members can use this mobile hotspot for business or pleasure. Whether working from the road or using the internet for streaming movies, playing games, or staying in touch with family and friends, this new FMCA member exclusive plan has you covered. Customers receive a 5G hotspot device or can opt to bring their own. The plan also includes 5GB of high-speed data and then unlimited data at up to 256kbps speeds in Canada and Mexico, depending on the plan. Best of all, if you have any questions about your plan or service, FMCA has your back. FMCA technicians are equipped to help with issues related to connectivity. To learn more, click here. Contact the helpful FMCA Tech Connect+ team at techconnect@fmca.com or call (800) 543-3622 for assistance Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time

Hart Ranch Camping Resort, C10271

Rapid City, South Dakota

Hart Ranch stands as one of South Dakota's top-tier RV resorts, boasting 480 full-hookup RV sites, all set against the backdrop of John Harrison Hart's historic land from the Black Hills Gold Rush. Guests enjoy a rich blend of Western living and family-friendly amenities, including rodeos, golf, and more.

FMCA members receive a discounted rate at many FMCA commercial member campgrounds. To find more locations along your route, check out our RV Marketplace!

Straight Talk From A Cop

If you want to up your RV security, check out this video on RV security tips while traveling from Endless RVing. They give a police officer’s perspective on how to keep yourself and your family safe while on the road. The simple steps mentioned in this video are important for every RVer to hear.

Only You Can Prevent Wildfires

Did you know that everyone’s favorite bear has turned 80? To celebrate this milestone, Smokey Bear is sharing his tips on preventing wildfires on his website, along with his decades of history. Since 1944, Smokey, who has become a pop culture icon, has inspired Americans across the country to practice fire safety. Check out the story of Smokey here.

Stay Safe With RVSEF

The RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF) has been a support system for RVers for 30 years. RVSEF provides RV education with a focus on consumer safety and lifestyle enhancement. They offer online training courses any RVer can take, tips on the importance of RV weighing, and more! RVSEF reps also present informative seminars and RV weighing services at FMCA international conventions. To see how RVSEF can help you, view their website here.

Be Food Safe

Although it’s not a fun topic, food safety is an important one. According to the USDA, an estimated 48 million foodborne illnesses and 3,000 deaths occur each year in the United States. The result of eating contaminated food, it’s nothing to mess around with, and steps can be taken to prevent it. Symptoms can start within minutes to weeks and often mimic the flu, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. So, at times, people don’t recognize the source of the illness.

RV owners are fortunate to have onboard amenities for cooking and food storage, but we still need to exercise caution when it comes to food handling. The USDA has identified four easy steps to prevent foodborne illness: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Clean. Washing your hands often with soap and warm water is key, especially before and after handling food. This includes uncooked eggs, raw meat, poultry, or fish, along with their juices. Keeping surfaces clean is important as well.
Separate. Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices away from other food. After cutting raw meats, wash the cutting board, knife, and countertops with hot, soapy water. Marinate meat and poultry in a covered dish in the refrigerator. Don’t use the same platter or utensils for uncooked food as you do for cooked items — be sure to have extras on board. Sanitize cutting boards using a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach in one gallon of water.
Cook. Food must be cooked to the proper temperature, which varies depending on the type. Consult a food cooking chart, and use a reliable thermometer. Note that color isn’t always a good indicator. For instance, illnesses have occurred after consuming a hamburger that had no visible sign of pink. It is critical to cook ground meat to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of food is a concern while serving as well. Perishable food should not be left out for more than two hours at room temperature — one hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees. So, this is something to keep in mind year-round but especially during picnics at the campsite on warm summer days. Remember the mantra, “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Chill. Leftover food needs to be refrigerated as soon as possible. Discard anything left out past the guidelines noted above. Place food in shallow containers and refrigerate or freeze (for quick cooling) right away. Most cooked leftovers should be used within three to four days. And they should be reheated to 165 degrees.

To read more about these and other tips regarding food safety, and for cooking temperature and food storage charts, visit the USDA website. For basic guidelines when it comes to shopping at local farm markets and u-pick places, read Food Safety and Farmers Markets from the March 2023 issue of Family RVing.

No one wants to have their RV outings derailed by a foodborne illness, so it pays to be aware and take care.