June 2006
Mobile homes
MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOMES
Mobile and manufactured homes are especially vulnerable in a hurricane--particularly if they are improperly installed or do not have proper anchors, straps, and tie-downs. High winds can get under a manufactured home and lift it, as can winds passing over the home. Proportionally, more people are killed by high-wind events (such as tornadoes and hurricanes) in manufactured homes than in site-built homes. If local authorities have ordered an evacuation, follow their lead: Your life will be in danger if you do not evacuate.
Manufactured homes built after 1994 are required to comply with stronger building codes imposed by HUD in the wake of 1992's Hurricane Andrew. Homes built before the new standards are less likely to have sufficient protections in place. To know the age of your manufactured home, look for a data plate, which should be posted in a readily accessible and visible location. The data plate should also show the strength of winds that the home is built to withstand.
Anchors that are set in concrete, hard rock, or a foundation are better than "auger" or corkscrew-style anchors that go into the soil.
For additional protection, consider installing tie-downs at the front and rear of the home, in addition to the sides.
Do not wait until a hurricane is approaching to purchase anchors and straps--supplies may run out in your area.
High-density mobile home parks may have many mobile homes that were built before HUD imposed stronger standards for wind resistance in 1994. Some homes may also not be properly secured with anchors, straps, and tie-downs. Those homes are very dangerous during a hurricane--and if they collapse, the resulting flying debris can damage other homes nearby.
Once a manufactured home's structure is compromised, wind and water can blow in, triggering a total collapse. Even if your home is well-secured and is rated for Wind Zone III, HUD's highest-speed windzone, it can be damaged by debris from rickety nearby structures.
Mobile and manufactured homes are especially vulnerable in a hurricane--particularly if they are improperly installed or do not have proper anchors, straps, and tie-downs. High winds can get under a manufactured home and lift it, as can winds passing over the home. Proportionally, more people are killed by high-wind events (such as tornadoes and hurricanes) in manufactured homes than in site-built homes. If local authorities have ordered an evacuation, follow their lead: Your life will be in danger if you do not evacuate.
Manufactured homes built after 1994 are required to comply with stronger building codes imposed by HUD in the wake of 1992's Hurricane Andrew. Homes built before the new standards are less likely to have sufficient protections in place. To know the age of your manufactured home, look for a data plate, which should be posted in a readily accessible and visible location. The data plate should also show the strength of winds that the home is built to withstand.
- Get an inspection. Have your home inspected frequently for proper safety. Anchors, straps, and tie-downs can become loose or corroded over time, and should be regularly inspected. Look for an inspector with experience specific to mobile homes. Some states have certification programs for mobile-home installers, which can help you decide whom to hire.
- Install anchors, straps, and tie-downs. Find out from an inspector how many tie-downs and anchors will be needed for your home, for the soil conditions under the home, and to fulfill any local regulations. Anchors, straps, and tie-downs are inexpensive--and far cheaper than losing the home to a hurricane.
- Both single- and double-wide homes need anchors and tie-downs for the bottom of the home. Tie-downs should be installed evenly, avoiding utility connections below the home.
Anchors that are set in concrete, hard rock, or a foundation are better than "auger" or corkscrew-style anchors that go into the soil.
For additional protection, consider installing tie-downs at the front and rear of the home, in addition to the sides.
Do not wait until a hurricane is approaching to purchase anchors and straps--supplies may run out in your area.
- For the windows, install temporary plywood shutters before a hurricane.
High-density mobile home parks may have many mobile homes that were built before HUD imposed stronger standards for wind resistance in 1994. Some homes may also not be properly secured with anchors, straps, and tie-downs. Those homes are very dangerous during a hurricane--and if they collapse, the resulting flying debris can damage other homes nearby.
Once a manufactured home's structure is compromised, wind and water can blow in, triggering a total collapse. Even if your home is well-secured and is rated for Wind Zone III, HUD's highest-speed windzone, it can be damaged by debris from rickety nearby structures.
