Five Ways Residents of Manufactured Housing Communities Can Prepare for Natural Disasters

In 2020, wildfires destroyed 10.3 million U.S. acres – 4.2 million of those in California alone – and the problem is only intensifying. Wildfires in the western states of California, Oregon, and Washington have tripled since 2002, largely due to drought, above-average temperatures, and high winds. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Fire Service, erratic precipitation patterns and above-average temperatures resulting from climate change are likely to trigger more wildfires in the future, making it all the more important to be prepared.

Here are five ways that you, as a resident and homeowner in a manufactured housing community, can guard against the threats from wildfires and other natural disasters.

1. Purchase insurance for your home.

Although insurance on a manufactured home is not legally required, mortgage lenders and most property management companies – including Harmony Communities – require it, and it’s a worthwhile investment. Insurance can provide coverage for both your home and your property and may even include liability protection, which defrays the cost of any legal disputes that may arise from someone getting injured on your property. If you live in a flood-prone area or an area at high risk for wildfires, you’ll want to confirm coverage for these types of natural disasters. This article contains additional information on types of insurance coverage and includes tips for purchasing insurance for your manufactured home.

2. Remove fire hazards from your property.

Wildfires travel quickly through brush and limbs, so keep trees, long grasses, and bushes adjacent to the home trimmed and appropriately dispose of limbs and debris. California requires homeowners who live in high-risk areas to maintain a 100-foot “defensible space” around their homes; that is, an area clear of brush, vegetation, and other flammable materials. Although it may not be possible to achieve such a large amount of defensible space in a manufactured housing community, you should still ensure that fire hazards are kept as far away from your home as possible. Finally, remove leaves and other debris from gutters and consider fire-resistant materials such as dual-pane windows, fire-resistant roofing, and enclosed eaves.

3. Follow other important safety tips to prevent home fires.

Between 2014 and 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 353,100 home fires per year, resulting in an average of 2,620 civilian deaths, 11,030 injuries, and $7.2 billion in property damage. To reduce the risk of a home fire:

• Do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.
• Keep batteries and battery-powered flashlights available and use flashlights instead of candles.
• Check to make sure that electrical cords on space heaters are not damaged and do not pose a tripping hazard. 
• Make sure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly; change smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries at least once a year.
• Have a working fire extinguisher available.

Check out more fire safety tips here.

4. Have an emergency evacuation plan.

In emergencies, cell phone towers can often be overloaded, so you can’t rely on being able to communicate with family members this way. That’s why it’s important to agree on an emergency evacuation plan and establish a place where you will reunite. Sign up for alerts through your local municipality and download local news and/or weather apps so you can receive notifications of emergencies in your area.

5. Prepare an emergency supply kit.

If you do have to evacuate quickly, an emergency supply kit will give your family the necessary supplies to stay safe. An emergency supply kit should include items like a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, nonperishable food, medications, and more. For a complete list of what you should include in your emergency supply kit, download our free printable.

Unfortunately, the frequency of wildfires and other natural disasters seems to be trending in the wrong direction. Take steps today to be prepared in case one occurs near where you live.