Quick Answer
For mobile home residents, the best tornado shelter options are interior rooms like bathrooms and closets without exterior walls, or reinforced rooms like basements or storm cellars, which ideally should be specifically built or designed for tornado protection.
Choosing the Best Shelter Location
When a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly assess your mobile home’s layout to identify potential shelter locations. Bathrooms and closets without exterior walls are good options as they provide protection from flying debris and collapsing walls. These rooms are usually located on an interior wall or in a corner, away from windows and exterior doors.
Creating a Safe Room in Your Mobile Home
If an interior room isn’t available, consider creating a safe room in your mobile home. This can be achieved by constructing a reinforced wall or door using materials like plywood or metal studs. The room should be at least 6 feet wide, 8 feet long, and 6.5 feet tall. The entrance should be protected with a steel door or a solid core door, and the door frame should be reinforced with metal studs to prevent collapse.
Aftermath Safety Considerations
After a tornado has passed, be cautious when exiting your home or shelter. Look for structural damage like cracks in walls or ceilings, and avoid areas with fallen power lines or gas leaks. If your mobile home has been severely damaged, do not attempt to enter the home until it has been deemed safe by a professional, and consider seeking temporary shelter elsewhere.
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