Quick Answer
MOBILE HOMES ARE NOT CONSIDERED SAFE DURING TORNADO WARNINGS, AS THEY ARE PRONE TO BEING PICKED UP AND THROWN BY STRONG WINDS. IN FACT, MOBILE HOMES ARE OFTEN THE MOST VULNERABLE TYPE OF STRUCTURE DURING TORNADOES. --- Mobile Home Hazards Mobile homes can snap in half, overturn, or break apart due to the extreme winds associated with tornadoes. This is because mobile homes are not anchored to the ground and can easily be lifted by the powerful gusts. In 1998, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated that 90% of mobile homes destroyed by tornadoes were completely swept away.
Safe Alternatives
In the event of a tornado warning, mobile home residents should quickly seek shelter in a nearby building or hard-topped structure, such as a brick or concrete building. If no building is available, go to an underground shelter or a storm cellar. If these options are not available, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor of a building, away from windows and exterior walls.
Tornado Sheltering Essentials
When seeking shelter, it’s essential to have a plan in place, including a designated meeting spot and emergency contact information. Residents should also keep a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and first aid kit on hand. If you’re caught outside, get as low to the ground as possible, cover your head with your arms, and crouch in a low, covered position, such as under a picnic table or in a ditch.
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