Hurricane is no joke, especially if you live in a mobile home. Strong winds can rip through weak spots, and heavy rain can lead to dangerous flooding. Mobile homes are not built to handle the worst of a storm, so preparing ahead of time is the best way to stay safe.
A hurricane can knock out power, damage homes, and make roads impossible to use. Securing your home, packing supplies, and knowing where to go if you need to evacuate can make all the difference. It can be just as destructive as a wildfire, or even worse.
No one wants to face a storm unprepared. A solid plan gives you a better chance of protecting your home and keeping your family safe. Every step you take now will help you when the winds pick up.
Secure Your Mobile Home
Mobile homes are not built to handle strong hurricane winds. Even with tie-downs, they can shift, tip over, or lose parts of their structure.
Securing your home properly reduces the risk of major damage. Every weak spot matters, so go step by step and make sure your home is as strong as possible before the storm arrives.
Check and Tighten Tie-Downs
- Tie-downs keep your mobile home anchored to the ground. If they are loose or rusted, they will not hold during strong winds.
- Inspect all tie-downs for rust, damage, or looseness.
- If your tie-downs are outdated, replace them with modern hurricane-rated systems.
- Use a torque wrench to make sure they are tightened correctly. If you are unsure, have a professional check them.
Reinforce Windows and Doors
- Windows are one of the first things to break in a hurricane. Glass shatters easily, letting wind and rain rush in.
- Install hurricane shutters if possible. If not, cover windows with thick plywood, securing it tightly with screws.
- Do not tape windowsโtape does nothing to stop them from breaking.
- Reinforce doors with extra deadbolts or metal braces to stop them from being blown open.
- If you have sliding glass doors, cover them completely with plywood.
Seal All Cracks and Gaps
- Wind and rain can get inside through even the smallest openings.
- Check around windows, doors, vents, and utility connections.
- Use waterproof caulk or weatherproof tape to seal all gaps.
- If you have an older mobile home, check the roof edges and corners for weak spots.
Clear Your Yard
- Anything left outside can turn into a dangerous projectile in strong winds.
- Bring in patio furniture, grills, flower pots, tools, and decorations.
- Secure large items like propane tanks and sheds with heavy straps or anchors.
- Cut back tree branches that could fall on your home.
Get Professional Help If Needed
- If you are unsure about any part of securing your home, call a mobile home specialist.
- Many areas offer free inspections before hurricane season.
- Small repairs now can save you from massive damage later.
Gather Emergency Supplies
When a hurricane hits, stores run out of supplies fast. Power goes out. Roads flood. If you wait until the last minute, you might end up fighting for bottled water or sitting in the dark without food.
Stock up early so you have everything you need to ride out the storm safely.
Water and Food โ Do Not Rely on Luck
- Get at least three days’ worth of bottled waterโone gallon per person per day. If you have pets, count them too.
- Buy non-perishable food that does not need refrigeration. Canned goods, peanut butter, protein bars, and dry snacks work best.
- Have a manual can opener because an electric one is useless without power.
- Fill up your bathtub with water before the storm. If the water supply shuts off, you can use it to flush toilets.
Power and Light โ You Will Be in the Dark
- Flashlights and extra batteries are a must. Hurricanes knock out power for days, sometimes weeks.
- Avoid candlesโthey can start fires if knocked over. Stick to battery-powered lights.
- A portable phone charger or power bank keeps your phone alive for updates.
First Aid and Medications โ Do Not Get Caught Without
- Stock up on prescription medications in case pharmacies shut down.
- Have a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medical supplies you need. You will need the same type just as one required for a jungle adventure.
- Include insect repellent and sunscreen if you might be outside after the storm.
Cash and Documents โ ATMs Might Not Work
- Hurricanes knock out power, and that means ATMs and card readers will not work. Keep cash on hand in small bills.
- Store important documents (ID, insurance papers, medical records) in a waterproof bag or sealed container.
- Take photos of everything in your home before the stormโthis helps with insurance claims if there is damage.
Hygiene and Sanitation โ You Will Miss Running Water
- Stock up on baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and dry shampooโif the water stops running, you will need them.
- Have toilet paper, trash bags, and heavy-duty cleaning supplies ready.
- If you have a baby, make sure you have enough diapers and formula.
Special Supplies โ Pets, Kids, and Extra Needs
- If you have pets, pack food, water, extra leashes, and a crate. Many shelters do not allow animals.
- If you have kids, keep them busy with books, puzzles, or battery-powered games.
- Elderly family members may need extra medications, medical equipment, or oxygen tanksโplan ahead.
Do Not Wait โ Get It Now
Do not assume stores will have what you need when a storm is coming. They wonโt.
Prepare now, not later. When everyone else is scrambling, you will already have everything you need to stay safe.
Plan for Evacuation
Hurricanes do not care if you want to stay. When evacuation orders come, you must leave.
Mobile homes are not safe in strong stormsโwind can tear them apart, and flooding can make roads impassable.
If you wait too long, you could be stuck in a dangerous situation with no way out.
Know When to Leave
- Do not wait for things to get bad before deciding. Once officials issue an evacuation order, go.
- If you live in a flood zone, assume water will rise quickly. Do not gamble with your safety.
- If winds are expected to reach Category 3 or higher, mobile homes are not safeโeven if they are secured with tie-downs.
Plan Your Route and Destination
- Know where you are going before you leave. Choose a shelter, hotel, or a family memberโs home outside the danger zone.
- Have two or three backup locations in case your first choice is full or unsafe.
- Print out maps or write down directions. GPS might stop working if cell service goes down.
Prepare Your Car
- Keep your gas tank full at least a few days before the storm. Gas stations will run out.
- Check your tire pressure, oil, and battery to make sure your car will not break down when you need it most.
- Keep a spare tire, jumper cables, and basic tools in case you run into trouble.
- Have an emergency bag packed in your car with food, water, flashlights, and clothes.
What to Bring When You Evacuate
- ID, insurance papers, and important documents in a waterproof bag
- Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers might not work)
- Medications and a basic first aid kit
- Enough clothes and hygiene supplies for several days
- Pet supplies if you are taking animals with you
- Charged phone and backup power banks
What to Do Before Leaving
- Unplug appliances and turn off power, gas, and water to prevent damage.
- Lock doors and windows to protect against wind and looters.
- Leave early to avoid traffic jams and flooded roads.
If You Cannot Evacuate
- Find the sturdiest place in your home, away from windows. A small interior room or a hallway is safest.
- Have mattresses, blankets, or pillows to cover yourself from debris if the wind damages your home.
- Keep your emergency supplies within reach at all times.
No Second Chances โ Leave When You Can
Hurricanes are not the time to be stubborn. Roads close, rescue crews cannot always help, and mobile homes do not survive extreme storms.
Evacuate when it is time. Staying behind is gambling with your life.
Stay Updated
Hurricanes change fast. What looks safe one moment can turn deadly in hours.
If you are not paying attention, you could miss an evacuation order or get caught in the worst of the storm.
Staying informed is not optionalโit is what keeps you ahead of danger. having a radio is the best way as internet and mobile network could be out of reach.
How to Track the Storm
- Weather apps like NOAA Weather, The Weather Channel, or local news apps give real-time updates.
- Battery-powered weather radios are a must in case the power and internet go out.
- Emergency alerts from FEMA and local officials tell you if you need to evacuate.
- Social media can help, but stick to official sourcesโdo not trust rumors.
Charge Everything Before the Storm Hits
- Keep your phone fully charged and have extra power banks ready.
- If you have a car charger, use it to keep your devices running.
- If power is still on, charge everything constantlyโdo not assume it will stay on. Also, buy a proper external battery, there are large models that can charge multiple devices at once.
Follow Local Officials, Not Guesswork
- If authorities say evacuate, do not waitโleave immediately.
- If you are told to shelter in place, find the safest room and stay there.
- Curfews and road closures happen after stormsโdo not assume you can drive somewhere once it is over.
After the Storm
Surviving the hurricane is one thingโdealing with the aftermath is another.
Flooded streets, downed power lines, and damaged homes can make things just as dangerous after the storm has passed.
Take the right steps to stay safe and rebuild.
Wait Until It Is Safe to Go Outside
- Do not leave your home until authorities say it is safe.
- Avoid standing waterโit could hide power lines, sharp debris, or dangerous animals.
- Watch for loose tree branches, broken glass, and unstable structures.
Check for Damage and Stay Cautious
- Inspect your home before going insideโlook for gas leaks, electrical hazards, and structural damage.
- If you smell gas or hear hissing, turn off the gas supply and leave immediately.
- Do not touch downed power linesโthey may still be live and deadly.
Document Everything for Insurance Claims
- Take clear photos and videos of all damage before cleaning anything up.
- Keep detailed records of lost or damaged items.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
Help Others, but Stay Safe
- Check on neighbors, elderly residents, and anyone who might need help.
- Be cautious of scams and fake contractorsโonly hire licensed professionals for repairs.
- If you need disaster assistance, contact FEMA or local emergency services.
FAQs
Can a mobile home withstand a Category 1 or 2 hurricane?
Mobile homes are vulnerable even in weaker hurricanes. A Category 1 storm can bring winds over 74 mph, which is enough to cause damage to mobile homes, especially if they are older or not properly secured. While a well-anchored mobile home might survive a Category 1 or 2 storm with minor damage, anything stronger poses a serious risk. Evacuation is always the safest option.
What can I do if floodwater starts rising inside my mobile home?
Shut off electricity immediately to avoid getting electrocuted. Move important items onto shelves or counters. If water rises fast, get outโmobile homes are not floodproof.
How do I stop my skirting from getting ripped off?
Replace thin vinyl skirting with pressure-treated plywood. Secure it with stakes or ground anchors. If time is short, remove loose panels before the storm hits.
How do I keep my propane tank from becoming a flying missile?
Turn off the gas valve and secure the tank with metal chains or ground anchors. If evacuation is required, shut it off completely to prevent gas leaks after the storm.
Final Thoughts
A hurricane does not wait for you to be ready. Get your home secured, pack your supplies, and know where to go if you need to leave. Do not assume your mobile home can handle the stormโit cannot.
Preparation is the difference between getting through safely or dealing with a disaster. Do not wait until the last minute. Every step you take now makes it easier to face the storm when it comes. Stay ready, stay smart, and stay safe.
