Although hurricane season runs from June through November, late summer represents the most active time for storms. Residents living in manufactured or mobile homes should remain on high alert, as their homes are often more vulnerable to the high winds and storm surges associated with these events. Here are some of our best tips to ensure you are ready for a potential storm.
- Understand the Risks: Manufactured and mobile homes are especially at risk during hurricanes — even tropical storms can cause serious damage. While newer manufactured homes (built after 1994) follow stricter HUD wind resistance standards, they still may not be safe in hurricane-force winds. Mobile homes, particularly older ones, are even more susceptible to structural failure and may lack proper anchoring.
Many mobile home parks and communities are also located in low-lying or flood-prone areas, which increases the danger during heavy rains and storm surge events. - Know Your Evacuation Requirements: Residents of manufactured or mobile homes are typically required to evacuate, regardless of their county’s designated evacuation zone. Even if you are not in a mandatory evacuation area, local emergency officials will likely order mobile home residents to leave as a precaution for most storms. You can check your local evacuation zone through your county’s emergency management website or by calling their office. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way—know your zone and plan ahead.
- Create an Evacuation Plan: Since evacuation is likely, it’s important to be ready before a storm threatens. A solid evacuation plan includes:
- Where to go: Identify nearby shelters or stay with friends/family in a safer structure.
- Multiple routes: Have at least two ways to reach your destination in case of road closures.
- A go-bag: Pack essential supplies like medications, IDs, water, food, chargers, clothing, insurance documents, and cash.
- Pet care: Many shelters allow pets, but check ahead and bring necessary supplies for them, too.
- Fuel Topped Off: Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and is ready to go during hurricane season.
- Secure Your Home: Hurricanes are on the radar for many days before landfall. Although no one knows until close to the storm’s arrival where the most significant impact will be, you do have time to protect your home just in case. These steps won’t make the home safe to stay in during a hurricane, but can reduce damage.
- Inspect tie-downs and anchoring systems to ensure your home is properly secured to the ground.
- Board up or cover windows with plywood or storm shutters.
- Remove outdoor items like furniture, grills, or potted plants to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
- Reinforce carports, sheds, and awnings, or take them down if possible.
- Stay Informed: Reliable, up-to-date information can save lives.
- National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov)
- Florida Division of Emergency Management (www.floridadisaster.org)
- Local news and weather alerts
- County emergency alert systems (sign up for text/email alerts)
- Keep a battery-powered radio on hand in case of power outages.
- Review Your Insurance and Documents: Manufactured and mobile home insurance policies vary. Make sure your wind and flood coverage is up to date and you know how to file a claim quickly after a storm. Keep copies of important documents – like your insurance policy, ID, medical records, and photos of your home’s condition – in a waterproof and portable container.
Living in a manufactured or mobile home in Florida requires proactive planning during hurricane season. Don’t wait for a hurricane warning to act — have a plan, stay informed, and protect yourself and your family. Your life is far more important than your property.
If you need assistance with your coverage, don’t hesitate to call Anderson & Associates Insurance Group.
I was recruited into insurance 16 years ago. I have watched the insurance market in Florida go through so many changes. As an independent agent with Anderson & Associates for a over a decade now, I pride myself on obtaining competitive prices for my clients.
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I was recruited into insurance 16 years ago. I have watched the insurance market in Florida go through so many changes. As an independent agent with Anderson & Associates for a over a decade now, I pride myself on obtaining competitive prices for my clients.
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