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Storm-Proofing Your Florida Mobile Home: Essential Tips and Supplies
In Florida, preparing mobile homes for storm seasons is essential. Hurricanes and tropical storms strike Florida with significant frequency and intensity. Mobile homes face greater vulnerability due to their lightweight construction and materials. With preparation, however, the risks of storm damage can be reduced. In this article, effective strategies for storm-proofing mobile homes and essential supplies to keep on hand are discussed.

Conducting a Home Inspection

A home inspection should be conducted well before storm season begins. Doors, windows, and roofing should be checked for potential weaknesses. Particular attention should be paid to any damaged or aging materials. Any part of the mobile home showing signs of wear or damage must be repaired or reinforced. Frequent inspections ensure that all areas of the home are prepared to withstand high winds and rain.

Reinforcing Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are common weak points during storms. Storm shutters or impact-resistant windows should be installed, as they can significantly increase storm resistance. If these are not affordable, plywood can be used as an alternative for temporary reinforcement. Plywood sheets should be cut to fit window and door dimensions in advance. Window film or hurricane fabric can be applied for added protection. Each option provides a layer of security against flying debris and powerful wind.

Strengthening the Roof

The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of any structure during storms. Roof straps and anchors can be installed to secure the roof firmly to the home. Roof seams should be checked for leaks and sealed if necessary. Metal roofing, which is both durable and lightweight, is recommended for mobile homes in storm-prone areas. When installed properly, metal roofing is more resistant to wind and rain than traditional shingles. Roof inspections should be routine before and during hurricane season.

Anchoring the Mobile Home

Anchoring is one of the most important steps in mobile home storm-proofing. Homes that are not properly anchored are at risk of being uplifted by strong winds. The installation of tie-downs should be verified, and additional tie-downs added if necessary. Steel anchors are the most effective choice, as they provide maximum security. Over time, anchors and tie-downs may loosen, so periodic checks are essential.

Securing Outdoor Items

Loose outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Before a storm, all outdoor furniture, decorations, and loose items should be brought indoors. Larger items that cannot be moved should be anchored or secured. A clean and debris-free yard reduces the risk of flying objects that could damage the mobile home or surrounding properties. When items are properly secured, there is less risk of injury to people or pets nearby.

Preparing Emergency Supplies

Emergency supplies are vital during storm preparation. Essential supplies include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, and medication. Personal documents should be gathered and stored in a waterproof bag. Supplies should be sufficient to last for at least three days. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is recommended for weather updates. All emergency supplies should be kept in an easily accessible place, preferably close to the exit of the mobile home.

Creating a Storm Evacuation Plan

Evacuation plans should be created in case a storm becomes severe. This plan must include the route to the nearest evacuation shelter and important contact numbers. All family members should be informed of this plan and know where to go if separated. Practicing evacuation drills can help everyone understand their roles. Important documents, medications, and supplies should be gathered in advance. Mobile home residents should always have a backup plan in case the main evacuation route becomes impassable.

Understanding Storm Alerts and Warnings

Knowing how to interpret storm alerts and warnings is critical. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues different levels of alerts based on storm intensity and proximity. Alerts range from “Advisory” (indicating possible impact) to “Warning” (indicating imminent danger). All alerts and updates should be monitored through reliable sources such as the NWS or FEMA. Understanding these warnings can help residents prepare in time. Alerts provide vital information on when to shelter in place or evacuate.

Investing in Insurance for Storm Protection

Insurance is another key component of storm preparedness. Standard mobile home insurance typically covers storm damage, but flood insurance may require an additional policy. Windstorm insurance should also be considered, as it covers damage from hurricane-force winds. Before hurricane season, policies should be reviewed to ensure they meet coverage needs. Documentation and photos of the mobile home should be kept as proof in case of damage. Coverage helps in mitigating the financial impact of severe storms.

Reviewing and Updating Storm Supplies

Preparedness supplies must be regularly reviewed and updated. Batteries and non-perishable foods can expire over time, so these items should be replaced as needed. Important documents and insurance information should be reviewed for accuracy and kept up to date. Essential items like flashlights, radios, and first-aid kits should be tested and replaced if necessary. Storm supplies should be checked at the start of each hurricane season to ensure they are ready to use.

Essential Storm-Proofing Supplies Checklist

For maximum readiness, the following supplies should be kept on hand:
1. Storm Shutters – Essential for protecting windows and doors.
2. Plywood Sheets – Used to cover windows and doors when storm shutters are unavailable.
3. Roof Straps and Anchors – Secures the roof to the mobile home’s structure.
4. Steel Tie-Downs and Anchors – Reinforce the home’s foundation to prevent uplift.
5. Emergency Kit – Includes essentials such as food, water, medication, and a flashlight.
6. Battery-Powered Radio – Necessary for receiving weather updates if power is lost.
7. Waterproof Storage Bags – Protects important documents from water damage.
8. Portable Phone Charger – Keeps communication devices operational during outages.
9. Tool Kit – Assists in emergency repairs and securing items.
10. First-Aid Kit – Basic medical supplies in case of injuries.
This checklist provides a strong foundation for storm-proofing efforts. With these items, residents can protect both their mobile home and their family.

Additional Tips for Effective Storm Preparation

When preparing for storms, mobile homeowners should remain informed and proactive. Joining local emergency alert systems and weather apps can keep residents updated on storm developments. Regular meetings with neighbors and local community members can provide additional resources. Mobile home parks often have emergency plans and shelters, so becoming familiar with park policies is important.

Staying Informed and Safe

Storm season requires Florida mobile home residents to remain vigilant. Each preparation step and supply is aimed at maximizing safety. Mobile homes may be more vulnerable to storms, but with proper preparation, the risks can be minimized. Every Florida resident should remain informed, prepared, and resilient during storm season.

By following these guidelines, mobile homeowners can protect their property and loved ones during the storm season in Florida

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October 30, 2024
2 Easy Ways To Prepare Your Mobile Home For A Storm!
One of many questions beginner mobile homeowners always ask is how to prepare a mobile home against storms and any type of natural disaster, including strong winds.

Whether it is a hurricane, thunderstorm, or snow storm eventually a mobile homeowner will have to bunker down and hope for the best regarding weather conditions.

In states like Florida, where a storm hits at least once every three years, preparation for the worst is of the utmost importance. Mobile homes are built differently than conventional houses, and their thinner walls can cause big trouble for homeowners when a storm hits and there is a lack of preparation.

In order to prepare for those days ahead, one needs to understand exactly how to prepare their mobile homes and what are the easiest ways to protect their homes from anything a storm may throw at them.

Mobile home in Florida

When a storm or hurricane is forecast, make sure to know the exact path of the storm and how strong it will be before jumping into action. Spending a lot of time on preparation when the storm is only Category 1 can be a waste of time. An accurate weather forecast and total understanding are needed before you prepare.

For sure no preparation is perfect and flawless. Expect to have minor loose ends but focusing only on the most important things greatly increases your chance of success. Thus, we suggest preparing the following two simple but important things.
1. Utilize Storm Shutters
Most mobile homes will come standard equipped with storm shutters over every major window in the home. These shutters are oftentimes left open and propped up to help bring in additional natural light into the mobile home. While this is great most times of year make sure you do not forget that these shutters do provide a very valuable way to protect your mobile home!

Taking your mobile home storm shutters “down” so that they protect the windows is a very simple and direct process.

These shutters are held up by an Allen wrench that sits inside a pre-drilled hole in the arm of the shutter.

Taking these out is a very simple process, but make sure you either have someone else hold the shutter or an extra hand to catch the shutter should it fall down!

When under the shutter dislodge the Allen wrench from each shutter arm and slowly lower the shutter all the way down. Once here, take a wing nut to screw the shutter down and into place.

That is all there is to it!

We at The Mobile Home Dealer strongly suggest, when doing this, not to twist the wing nut down too hard as this may lead to not being able to get it off and not allowing you to prop the shutter back up once the storm has come and gone!

2. Look For Loose Items Around Home

Make sure you thoroughly walk around your mobile home property and look for any loose items such as flower planters, flags, or wind chimes to name a few. Each one of these items could get caught up in a storm and turn these lovely items into projectile items that could harm you or your neighbor’s mobile home!

Make sure to take some time and look for anything that can come off the property or that is loosely attached to the mobile home itself and remove them before a storm comes to town.

Taking these items off of your property and placing them either inside your mobile home or within the storage shed that most mobile homes have will help ensure that not only your home but your neighbor’s homes stay safe throughout the storm.

Wall items, such as glasses, decorations, paintings, and similar objects, must also be removed. Not only can these fly and hit someone in no time, but you also don’t want to damage these precious items. Keep them safe and put them back in their original locations later when the storm passes.

By taking these simple, quick, and easy precautions when preparing your mobile home for a storm, you will be well on your way to protecting your home from any storm and looking forward to sunnier days ahead!

They say prevention is better than cure, and preparing your mobile home for a natural disaster is no different. Sometimes, an effortless act can prevent structural and property loss, injuries, and even death.

Stay inside your house during the storm

Sarasota Mobile Home

Now that your mobile home is prepared to take on a storm, stay inside your house in a safe place or in the bunker (if you have one). There are lots of stories of people being hit by flying objects and killed or badly injured. You don’t want this to happen to you or your family members.

Include enough food and water in your preparation. Bottled drinking water and some canned foods that can last for at least two days are ideal. The storm may last only for a few minutes but the effect could sometimes last for days and even months.

Lastly, as mobile homeowners, we must be extra diligent in preparing our homes for storms. Mobile homes are more susceptible to damage from high winds than traditional homes, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect your property. Here are some easy ways to prepare your mobile home for a storm:
1. Secure loose items around your home. Make sure any outdoor furniture or decorations are securely fastened down. Anything that could become a projectile in high winds should be stored away safely.
2. Bring in any outside plants or potted trees. Loose dirt and debris can cause damage when it’s blown around, so it’s best to bring these items inside until the storm has passed.
3. Check your windows and doors to ensure they’re properly sealed and secured. Strong winds can cause even small gaps to let in water and debris, so it’s important to ensure everything is tightly sealed before a storm hits.
4. Have an emergency kit ready with supplies like food, water, flashlights, and first aid supplies. If you lose power or must evacuate your home, you’ll be glad you have this essential kit.
5. Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy so you know what coverage you have in case of damage from a storm. Many policies have provisions for mobile homes that may not be included in standard homeowners’ insurance policies, so it’s important to know what protections you have in place.
This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer. We help mobile home Buyers and Sellers improve their lives.

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September 26, 2023
Aretta Asks, “What Should Sarasota Mobile Home Owners Do In Bad Weather?
What Should Sarasota Mobile Home Owners Do In Bad Weather Let’s discuss and find out about this very important topic.

Hey Guys!

Today’s question for our blog was sent to us through one of our Facebook friends, Aretta Burkhead.

She asked, “Mark, could you please cover some of the dos and don’ts of mobile homes in bad weather?”

Sure, Aretta, I’d be happy to do so. Thanks a lot for the question. Now guys, just so you know, if you are interested in having us cover a particular topic any time, just connect with us through our website at sellmobilehome.com, or through our Facebook as Aretta did, and just give us a holler, let us know what you want us to discuss. We’d be more than happy to do so.

When discussing things to deal with mobile homes and bad weather like today, when we have a hurricane coming over us, I will discuss the obvious issue we are dealing with today and every other day living down here in Florida is hurricanes and the heavy rain and heavy wind that comes with them.

So let’s first discuss the importance of identifying and locating your hurricane tie-downs in your mobile home.

Now in this mobile home, you’ll see they’re right down here, right by the sidestep. You want to make sure that you know exactly where these anchors are. We want to make sure that you know where they are and that they’re fully functional because they do exactly that. They tie the home down should a hurricane come through and it prevents your house from blowing away. That’s the first thing.

After a heavy rain storm, Aretta, you want to make sure that you take a look at the ceiling of the mobile home and see if you find any wet spots.

Wet spots are going to have an off-whitish color on the ceiling. You’re always going to want to look for these all the time in any mobile home. These spots will initially look just like a plain wet spot, but if you don’t get to them early enough, they’re eventually going to look like a coffee stain on a white shirt.

Hopefully, you never see these on your ceiling, but if you do, you must address them right away.

If you do not tend to these then wet spots can lead to a sagging ceiling or, worse yet, they can leak through the roof onto the drywall enough that water will pool up between the drywall and the roof, and an extreme situation, it’ll break after sagging so far and will have the ceiling fall in on it.

I’ve been in several mobile homes where I’ve seen this, and it’s a shame because a lot of times that could have just been fixed by identifying the wet spot in the first place.

Now Aretta, mobile homes are much stronger than what people a lot of times give them credit for.

The reason for this is when a mobile home is made in a factory and shipped to another state for sale, it needs to meet the wind zone or snow load zone for the location that it’s being shipped to.

So for instance, if the home you bought has always been located in the same park in Florida since it left the factory, then chances are your home will be able to handle the winds that come through your area without much of an issue, and that’s required by the manufacturer when it leaves the factory.

And the snow load zone, for all you northerners who follow us, well, thank goodness we don’t have to worry about that down here, but the same idea applies there as well.

In addition to the above suggestions, being prepared before bad weather comes is essential. Here are some weather preparedness tips every mobile homeowner should know.

Secure everything that might be outside your mobile home. This includes lawn furniture, portable carport, bikes, toys, ornaments, and the like. These things can fly and hit your windows and can even hurt other people.

Make sure to have an active insurance policy. The state of Florida is always hit by storms and having active insurance will give you additional peace of mind.

Make sure your mobile home anchors are properly installed and meet the manufacturer’s requirements.

A storm cellar is not required but having one makes your life safer during the storm. A storm cellar is an underground structure and can cost $5,000”

Have a disaster preparedness kit and a NOAA weather radio. The radio will alert you any time of day if a tornado or hurricane is coming.

Make an escape plan. Even if you think that you are fully prepared, having an escape plan when things get out of hand is better than nothing.

Thanks again for your question Aretta. I hope this was helpful to you!

Lastly, Sarasota is known for its beautiful weather, but even paradise has its rainy days. If you find yourself stuck indoors during a storm, there are still plenty of things to do around town.

Here are some ideas to help make the most of a bad weather day in Sarasota:
- Visit one of Sarasota’s many museums, like the Ringling Museum of Art or the Florida Maritime Museum.
- Take a walk or bike ride through one of the city’s many parks, like Selby Gardens or Payne Park.
- Check out a local bookstore or coffee shop that you’ve been meaning to explore.
- Spend some time getting organized and cleaning your home or office.
- Catch up on some reading, either for pleasure or work.
- Plan your next vacation! Use the extra time indoors to start researching and booking your next getaway.
No matter what you end up doing on a rainy day in Sarasota, remember to take some time to relax and enjoy the downtime.

This is Mark Kaiser with The Mobile Home Dealer, and we help mobile home buyers and sellers get to a better place in life.

The Mobile Home Dealer are licensed mobile home broker in Sarasota Florida and the surrounding areas. We provide professional buy and/or sell assistance to our clients. If you have any questions, please contact us by clicking this link. You may also visit our Facebook Page and send us a message.

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September 22, 2023