Introduction
When emergencies strike, minutes matter. A clear, practiced emergency plan is the difference between orderly response and dangerous chaos. Whether it's a medical emergency, severe weather, wildfire, or other crisis, your campground needs documented procedures that every staff member knows and can execute.
This guide covers the essential components of a campground emergency preparedness plan—helping you protect guests, staff, and your property when it matters most.
Why Emergency Planning Matters
The Stakes
Campgrounds face unique emergency challenges:
- Guests unfamiliar with property and area
- Varied populations (families, elderly, mobility-limited)
- Spread-out facilities harder to coordinate
- Weather exposure greater than hotels
- Remote locations may delay emergency services
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Beyond safety:
- Many jurisdictions require documented emergency plans
- Insurance policies may mandate specific procedures
- Liability exposure increases without proper planning
- Documentation protects you after incidents
Types of Emergencies to Plan For
Weather Emergencies
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Hurricanes (for coastal/Gulf areas)
- Flooding
- Winter storms (for year-round operations)
- Extreme heat
- Lightning storms
Fire Emergencies
- Structure fires (office, restrooms, cabins)
- Wildfire threats
- Campfire emergencies
- Vehicle fires (RVs)
Medical Emergencies
- Heart attacks/strokes
- Serious injuries
- Allergic reactions
- Drowning (pool/waterfront)
- Heat stroke/hypothermia
Security Emergencies
- Criminal activity
- Missing persons (especially children)
- Hostile individuals
- Active threats
Utility Emergencies
- Water system failure
- Sewage backup
- Electrical hazards
- Gas leaks
Core Emergency Plan Components
1. Emergency Contact List
Post prominently and share with all staff:
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Fire/Police/EMS: 911
Fire Department (non-emergency): [number]
County Sheriff (non-emergency): [number]
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Local Hospital: [name and number]
Power Company Emergency: [number]
Propane Company: [number]
Owner/Manager Emergency: [number]
Backup Manager: [number]
2. Communication Procedures
How you'll alert guests and coordinate response:
Alert methods:
- PA system (if available)
- Vehicle-mounted loudspeaker
- Staff going site-to-site
- Text/email for registered guests
- Signage posting
Chain of communication:
- Staff member identifies emergency
- Contact manager/on-duty lead immediately
- Call 911 if appropriate
- Initiate guest notification
- Document actions and times
3. Evacuation Routes and Procedures
Documented evacuation plan:
- Primary exit route clearly marked
- Secondary route(s) identified
- Rally point(s) designated
- Procedure for assisting mobility-limited guests
- Guest count/accountability process
Posted evacuation maps:
- At office/registration
- At restroom facilities
- At each cabin/rental unit
- On campground map provided to guests
4. Shelter-in-Place Procedures
When evacuation isn't safe (tornadoes, active threats):
- Designated shelter locations
- Capacity of each shelter
- Supplies at shelter locations
- Guest notification procedures
- Duration expectations
Emergency-Specific Procedures
Severe Weather (Tornado)
TORNADO PROCEDURE
WATCH (conditions favorable):
1. Staff: Monitor weather closely
2. Prepare shelter areas
3. Brief arriving guests on shelter location
4. Have communication equipment ready
WARNING (tornado imminent or sighted):
1. Activate PA/alert system immediately
2. Direct all guests to shelter location: [building/area]
3. Staff sweep campground to ensure notification
4. Account for all registered guests
5. Remain in shelter until all-clear
SHELTER LOCATIONS:
Primary: [Location]
Secondary: [Location]
DO NOT SHELTER: [Locations to avoid]
Medical Emergency
MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
1. CALL 911 immediately for:
- Unconsciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe bleeding
- Suspected heart attack or stroke
2. Do NOT move patient unless danger present
3. Send staff member to entrance to guide EMS
4. Stay with patient, provide information to 911
5. If trained/certified, provide first aid/CPR as appropriate
6. Document incident after situation stabilized
AED LOCATIONS:
- Office building
- [Other locations]
FIRST AID KIT LOCATIONS:
- Behind front desk
- Maintenance building
- Pool area (if applicable)
Fire Emergency
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
STRUCTURE FIRE:
1. Activate alarm if present
2. Call 911 immediately
3. Evacuate all persons from building
4. Use fire extinguisher ONLY if small fire and safe
5. Do not re-enter building
6. Account for all occupants
7. Meet fire department at entrance
WILDFIRE THREAT:
1. Monitor conditions via local authorities
2. Prepare for possible evacuation
3. If ordered, begin guest notification immediately
4. Assist guests with evacuation
5. Secure property as time allows
6. Owner/manager evacuates last
RV/VEHICLE FIRE:
1. Ensure occupants evacuated
2. Call 911
3. Clear area 50+ feet around vehicle
4. DO NOT attempt to extinguish large RV fires
5. Prevent propane tank exposure to flames
Supplies and Equipment
Emergency Supply Kit
Maintain and check regularly:
First Aid:
- [ ] Fully stocked first aid kit
- [ ] AED (automated external defibrillator)
- [ ] Blankets
- [ ] Splints and bandages
Communication:
- [ ] Battery-powered weather radio
- [ ] Bullhorn/megaphone
- [ ] Flashlights with extra batteries
- [ ] Two-way radios
Shelter:
- [ ] Bottled water
- [ ] Non-perishable snacks
- [ ] Blankets
- [ ] Battery-powered lights
Documentation:
- [ ] Guest registration list (printed copy)
- [ ] Emergency contact numbers
- [ ] Incident report forms
- [ ] Pens/clipboard
Equipment Maintenance
- Check fire extinguishers monthly (date and pressure)
- Test AED batteries quarterly
- Replace first aid supplies as used
- Inspect emergency lighting
- Update emergency contact lists annually
Staff Training
Required Training
Every staff member should know:
- Location of all emergency equipment
- How to call 911 and what to say
- Evacuation routes and rally points
- Their role in each type of emergency
- How to use fire extinguisher (PASS method)
Desirable Training
Consider certifications for key staff:
- CPR/First Aid certification
- AED training
- Wilderness first aid (remote properties)
- Weather spotter training
Regular Drills
- Conduct full-staff emergency review at season start
- Practice evacuation routes without guests
- Review procedures after any incident
- Annual refresher training
Guest Communication
At Check-In
Provide basic safety information:
"In case of emergency, dial 911. Our emergency shelter is [location]. If you hear our PA system, please follow instructions."
Posted Information
Display at registration and restrooms:
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
FIRE / MEDICAL / POLICE: CALL 911
CAMPGROUND ADDRESS: [Full address for 911]
EMERGENCY SHELTER: [Location]
AFTER HOURS CONTACT: [Phone number]
During Emergencies
Clear, calm communication:
"Attention campers: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for our area. If you hear thunder or see lightning, please take shelter in a permanent building. The storm is expected to pass within [time]."
After an Emergency
Incident Documentation
Complete for every significant incident:
- Date, time, location
- Nature of emergency
- Persons involved (guests, staff, injuries)
- Actions taken
- Response times
- Outcome
- Staff involved in response
Debriefing
After significant incidents:
- What went well?
- What could improve?
- Were procedures followed?
- Any training needs identified?
- Update procedures if needed?
Insurance and Legal
- Notify insurance company promptly
- Preserve documentation
- Photograph damage
- Keep incident reports confidential
- Consult attorney if liability concerns
Seasonal Considerations
Peak Season Readiness
Before opening and during high season:
- Review all procedures with staff
- Check all equipment functionality
- Update guest counts in reservation system
- Ensure emergency supplies stocked
- Brief all seasonal hires
Off-Season Preparedness
Reduced staffing doesn't mean reduced risk:
- Emergency contacts updated
- Procedures posted for any caretaker
- Regular property checks
- Weather monitoring for vacant property
Key Takeaways
- Document everything — Written procedures ensure consistent response
- Train every staff member — Everyone should know the basics
- Maintain equipment — Emergency supplies must be ready when needed
- Communicate clearly — Guests need to know what to do
- Review and improve — Learn from every incident
Conclusion
Emergency preparedness isn't about fear—it's about confidence. When your staff knows exactly what to do, they can respond calmly and effectively. When guests know you're prepared, they feel safe.
Build your emergency plan now, train your team, and practice regularly. The goal is that if an emergency ever occurs, your response is nearly automatic. Your guests, your staff, and your business will all be better for it.
[LINK: operations/14-guest-complaints] Learn how to handle the challenging guest situations that don't quite rise to emergency level.
Keepr stores guest contact information and emergency notes for quick access during any situation, helping you communicate with all guests instantly. Prepare your campground at campreserv.com