Safety Tips: Mobile Homes

There are many benefits to living in mobile homes, but residents should be aware of some safety concerns unique to these structures.

While they are vulnerable to all the same hazards found in permanent structures, fire spreads more rapidly through mobile homes due to their smaller space and lighter construction, while the structure itself intensifies the heat and smoke buildup. In addition, most mobile homes often have fewer escape routes than a traditional home, and they are not fixed to the ground with equal reinforcements. Common causes of mobile home fires include electrical system malfunctions and issues with heating systems.

The federal government regulates the construction of mobile homes. Since 1976, manufacturers of these dwellings have been required to comply with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) safety standards, which cover a wide range of safety requirements, including fire safety. Mobile homes built after the introduction of the HUD standards have lower rates of deaths and injuries per hundred reported fires than those built before the HUD standards were introduced.

Today, new construction of mobile homes are required to have factory-installed, hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backups, including in all sleeping areas. To further protect your home and loved ones, follow these additional fire safety tips:

• Early warning of fire is crucial. Have a minimum of two smoke alarms installed, regardless of sleeping arrangements. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year
• Maintain the cooling/heating system by having it professionally inspected regularly
• Never overload outlets, extension cords or electrical circuits. If the circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows, call a licensed electrician immediately
• Keep portable space heaters away from curtains, bedding and other flammable materials
• Determine ahead of time how you will get out in case of a fire. Develop an escape plan that includes alternate exits from every room. Make sure you can open and get out of windows and doors
• If a fire breaks out, get out immediately and call 911 from outside. A mobile home can burn down in minutes
• If you are in the market to purchase or rent a mobile home, opt for a mobile home built after 1976 that bears the HUD label, indicating it meets safety standards

In addition to fire safety issues, mobile homes are extremely vulnerable during windstorms such as hurricanes and tornados due to their lightweight construction. They are considered unsafe structures even in lower categories of hurricanes and in some tropical storms as well.

Keep an eye on weather systems that will potentially threaten our area, especially during hurricane season. Ensure you have an evacuation plan that includes a safe place to stay and food, water, and supplies to last at least three days.

Remember that mobile homes are an evacuation group of their own, regardless of whether or not they are located in one of the five designated evacuation zones in Miami-Dade.

Emergency managers sometimes call for evacuation of mobile homes without evacuating any of the zones, so monitor your local news during all major storms for information specifically directed toward mobile home residents.