Important Information for Manufactured/Mobile Home
Residents
Before the Storm, Secure Your
Home
Tips to prepare your Manufactured Home:
Click HERE.
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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