Important Information for Manufactured/Mobile Home Residents
Before the Storm, Secure Your Home
Anchors REQUIRED: Mobile homes should ALWAYS be
tied down. In fact,
Windstorm
Insurance:
Remember: Damage caused by flooding is
NOT covered by most homeowner’s policies. You may 
need flood insurance even if you
do not live in a flood zone. The National Flood
Insurance Program makes flood insurance available for manufactured homes on
foundations. See your insurance broker for details.
Contractor’s
License:
Inspections: Have your tie-downs inspected by an installer. Most
installers will inspect your home and provide a free estimate. Get estimates
from three installers and ask them to explain the installation.
Installation
Rules: Tie-down installation requirements are set
forth in Florida Administration
Code 15C-1. Ask your installer about the requirements of that code. For
detailed information about mobile home installation, contact the Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Mobile Home and Recreational
Vehicle Construction at (850) 413-7600.
Time &
Cost: A typical tie-down installation costs less
than $2000 and takes less than a day.
Alternative
Anchoring Systems: When a contractor inspects for tie-downs, ask if there are dependable,
state approved anchoring systems available for your home.
Other structures: Also ask about recommended methods to secure
storage/utility sheds, carports, and other vulnerable structures.
Group
Estimates: Most contractors provide discounts for group
installations. Meet with your neighbors to plan a group inspection and/or
installation.
Utilities: Learn how and when to turn off gas, water,
& electricity.
Safety
Tips
§
Check for loose straps.
§
Make sure straps are properly aligned and not on an angle.
§
Check to be sure the proper number of tie-downs have been
installed.
§
Verify that ground anchors and stabilizer plates have been
installed properly.
§
Be sure support piers are in contact with the frame.
§
Replace straps or ground anchors that show signs of
corrosion or damage.
§
For additional protection, you may want to consider
installing a longitudinal tie-down system located at the front and rear of your
home.
Develop
an Evacuation Plan
Host Homes: Emergency management agencies recommend you arrange a “Host Home”
outside the evacuation zone. A host home is the home of a friend or family
member who has agreed to provide temporary shelter for you and your family.
Communication Plan: Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family
contact.” Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone
number of the contact person.
Public Shelters: Public Emergency Shelters should
be your LAST RESORT in an evacuation. You will have no privacy, limited space,
and meals may not be provided. Your temporary “home” will be a gymnasium floor
or public hallway, and local officials must give you permission to leave! If
you MUST use a public shelter, identify two shelters nearby, preferably in
different directions from your home. Click here for a list of Public Emergency Shelters located
in
Evacuation Routes: Click here for evacuation routes. Click here
for evacuation map of
Safety
is the most important part of storm preparedness. Please remember that no
matter how good your tie-downs are or how complete your insurance coverage is, EVACUATION is the best plan to save your life!
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