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Preparing your Mobile Home for Extreme Weather
No matter where you live in the U.S. there will be times when you must deal with extreme weather conditions. If you own a manufactured home, your home may be more vulnerable to these forces of nature than a standard site-built home. Because of the materials used to build these homes, they are not as sturdy or resilient as a standard home. Prefab homeowners always are prepared for harsh weather. The following tips will help you keep your home, loved ones, and belongings safe.
General Safety and Preparedness
There are certain preparations one must take regardless of the type of extreme weather conditions that occur. It’s important to always have a safety plan in case of an emergency. Ensure that everyone knows the best escape routes or safe spots in the home. You should also have a safety supply kit in case resources are scarce.
Your disaster safety kit should include:
- Flashlights and batteries
- Water
- Food
- Portable USB chargers for phones
- First Aid Kit
Heavy Rain/Flood
Floods and heavy rain can do a lot of damage to a mobile home. Mobile homes are usually elevated from the ground so this gives your home a slight advantage against low floods. The skirts on your mobile also act as flood defense. Be sure that the skirts are in good condition. You have the option to purchase skirts made of stronger material for more safety. If your community does receive a flash flood warning, ensure that your mobile home is properly anchored. This will prevent it from floating away.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are unpredictable, so safety and preparedness must be regularly practiced. Prefab homes in an earthquake can experience a lot of damage. To prepare, designate areas in your home away from windows that are safe for cover. Do not try to run from your home; mobility is limited during an earthquake. You have the option to reinforce your mobile home with an Earthquake Restraint Bracing system (ERBS). An ERBS consists of two large cross beams that are built under your mobile home. In the event of an earthquake, the cross beams provide additional stability to your home.
Snowstorms
Many parts of the United States experience snowstorms in the Winter. Though snow seems to float light, it can become extremely heavy as it builds up. This can do a significant amount of damage to the roof of your mobile home. If the storm isn’t extreme, regularly remove the snow from your roof so it doesn’t cause moisture damage or a cave-in. Also, be mindful that the pipes in your plumbing system may freeze. When you purchase your prefab home. Be sure to understand your Roof Load Zones. The Roof Load Zone is the amount of weight that your roof can safely hold. If you don’t think your roof is strong enough, you can always have a stronger one built.
Hurricanes & Tornadoes
Just like site-built homes, manufactured homes are not resistant to high winds from tornadoes and hurricanes. Never try to stay in your homes during these weather events. To prepare, designate a nearby shelter or safe location to flee to during hurricanes and tornadoes. You can also find ditches and low areas to stay safe. Many homes in tornado-prone areas have basements and underground living spaces to stay safe during an earthquake. Consider having one built on your property if possible. Most communities have tornado warning systems. Be sure to understand how the system works where you live.
Unfortunately, extreme weather is something we must all experience. Know what kind of weather your area is susceptible to and take the proper safety measures. If your mobile home is damaged during extreme weather, repairs may be costly. To protect your home and valuables, look into obtaining Foremost Mobile Home Insurance. There are numerous policies with coverage options for losses that occur during harsh weather. We can help you find the best rates help you narrow down your options to a policy that fits your needs. Request a free Foremost Mobile Home insurance quote now and get instant results!