Hurricanes are destructive forces of nature that can destroy lives, homes and investments. There are a number of things you can do as a mobile home owner or community manager to minimize damage to your home or park. Additionally, having a head start where possible will make for a less frantic and stressful situation. As we move one month into the June 1 to November 30 hurricane season, here are some suggestions to better prepare for these natural disasters.

Hurricane Straps, Anchors

A mobile home’s main defenses against the wind are proper tie-downs or anchors. They can mean the difference between returning to a home standing or one ruined. Faulty, missing or unstable anchors can allow a mobile home that might otherwise survive the storm with relatively minor problems to be badly damaged or destroyed. Have a mobile home contractor install or fortify tie-downs or straps on your mobile home. Make sure they’re anchored securely to the foundation.

The ties must be secured to an anchor. Typical anchors are buried underground approximately four to five feet. The depth is determined by how saturated the ground is prone to be and to the possibility of flooding. The greater the chance of ground saturation and flooding, the deeper the anchor needs to be buried. As water collects in the soil, the soil loosens, which results in the anchor’s ability to move.

Laws in some states, Florida for example, require all mobile homes to be anchored. Additionally, Florida law requires tie-down installers to be licensed by the state. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Mobile Home & RV Construction for your state. 

Requirements on what type of anchors, depth and spacing may vary from state to state. In March of 1999, Florida added the requirement that anchors be every 5 feet 4 inches on the center, front and rear of the home. It’s worth noting that this only applies to mobile home installations after March of 1999. Homes set up before this time may not have as many anchors. 

The following video demonstrates the proper methods for anchor installation.

Anchor Rust

Even if installed perfectly, anchors and straps may rust over time. Make sure to have a licenced contractor check at least once a year to ensure that the straps are not rusted and in good physical condition. 

Anchor Rating

Inspect and improve the anchors and tie-downs on your mobile home.  Make sure they are rated for the types of winds you can expect for whatever area you are living in.

Reinforcement

Reinforce the wall joints at the floor and ceiling. Leaking can occur during the high winds and rain of a hurricane, so having these areas reinforced and sealed will help alleviate this problem.

Improve the outside wall sheathing of your mobile home. Most home sidings are just the outer siding on top of the insulation. When the wind blows the siding off, the insulation and inner walls become exposed and damage can occur. Secure the siding tightly, using more screws, so that it holds firmly to the floor, the wall, and the roof edge.

Sliding Shutters

Consider installing sliding storm shutters on all your windows, so that they can be quickly closed when the storm comes.

Roofing

Keep your mobile home’s roof in good order, with the edges securely fastened and all holes properly patched and sealed. Loose edges can lead to the high winds tearing holes in your roof, allowing rainfall to cause extensive water damage.

Reducing debris

Trim dead or broken branches from trees. Doing this helps create less debris carried by the potentially strong winds of a tropical storm or hurricane. Before the storm, also ensure any objects like garbage cans are securely stored. You may want to perform a community hazard assessment where you inspect common areas to identify potential storm hazards such as dead tree limbs, bird baths, statues, lawn equipment, grills, etc. Develop a plan to have those hazards removed or stored securely.

Review your insurance

Coverage specifically focusing on damages during tropical storms and hurricanes is commonly referenced as Windstorm Insurance. Regardless of if you own a mobile home, manage a community or own a park: It is crucial to know what coverage plan you’re under. When reviewing your coverage, be sure to double check what the extent of your coverage is in terms of the Stated Amount, Actual Cash Value and Replacement Cost. It’s worth noting that in states like Florida, the law authorizes insurance companies to discount annual premiums up to 10% for proof of inspection of tie-downs. Because of this, going through an inspection may actually be beneficial to your annual rate. However, Florida law prohibits the sale of windstorm insurance on homes not anchored in accordance with the state’s law.

If you’re a resident owned community, it’s your responsibility to insure commonly owned areas including the community center and its contents, pools, offices, recreational facilities, churches and any other common property.

Documentation

If an evacuation order is given, ensure that you have copies of important documents and that they are kept in a safe and secure location. These include deeds, titles, wills, insurance policies, medical records, prescriptions, identification and billing statements.

Notifying Insurance

After the storm, notify your insurance company or agent as soon as possible if there is significant damage to your property. Make sure to take pictures of damages for insurance claims. Do not dispose of damaged property before an insurance adjuster has examined it. If you do not have flood insurance, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362 to see what assistance is available.

Returning

When returning, always inspect buildings for structural damage before entering and be aware of possible floor damage, home shifting and exposed metal or glass. Also beware of anyone coming to your property uninvited and offering to do repairs or individuals canvassing the area in unmarked vehicles. Fraud is very common immediately following a natural disaster. 

Consider instituting a Return Home Plan. A Return Home plan reduces the confusion and chaos associated with trying to return to your community after a natural disaster. Such a plan should include instructions on when to return, where to return (i.e. clubhouse), and whom to contact (name and cell phone number). 

Have your community center inspected by a structural engineer or emergency management official to see if it could serve either as a shelter or as a “Return Home” coordination center. Investigate the possibility of having a back-up generator installed. 

Hurricanes are an unavoidable part of living near the ocean but with a little preparedness, you can focus your efforts on more important aspects of your recovery.