MHCO Community Updates

MHC Disaster Prevention: Reducing Risks

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While setting up a disaster plan for manufactured home communities, be sure to include steps that would reduce the risk of damage or injury.  Here are some actions to consider: 

 

  • Keep trees healthy and strong.  Remove dead limbs immediately, and cut back branches that overhang buildings or touch power or phone lines.

 

  • Make sure all homes in the community are installed properly and comply with all local codes that apply to disasters.

 

  • Do visual inspections of the community on a regular basis to look for damage to foundations, roofs, walls, tie-downs, awnings and other structures.  Notify residents of any potential problems observed on their homesite.

 

  • Install an audio warning system, such as a siren or horn, and tell residents when and how it will be used.

 

  • Have a battery-powered radio that can monitor reports from the National Weather Service, an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  These are referred to as NOAA Weather Radios.  The National Weather Service broadcasts updated weather warnings and forecasts for most kinds of weather emergencies.  NOAA recommends that you buy a radio that can run on either electricity or batteries, and that has a feature that automatically sends out a warning beep" when a weather watch or warning is issued.

 

  • Inspect fire hydrants regularly and keep them clear of debris