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Mobile homes require extra attention during hurricane season. While modern manufactured homes are built to higher standards than their predecessors, they still face unique wind vulnerabilities. Here's how to prepare your mobile home for storms.
Understanding Mobile Home Wind Risks
Mobile homes face specific hurricane challenges:
- Lighter construction: Less mass to resist wind forces
- Elevated design: Wind can get under the home
- Roof vulnerability: Large, flat surfaces catch wind
- Older tie-down systems: May not meet current codes
- Age factors: Components weaken over decades
Understanding these risks helps prioritize preparations.
Inspect and Upgrade Tie-Downs
Tie-down systems anchor your home to the ground:
Annual inspection checklist:
- Check all straps for rust, fraying, or damage
- Ensure anchors are secure in ground
- Verify connections to frame are tight
- Look for proper strap tension (no slack)
- Count straps—meet minimum requirements for your zone
Upgrade considerations:
- Homes built before 1994 may have inadequate tie-downs
- Florida codes now require specific tie-down spacing based on wind zone
- Professional tie-down inspection and upgrade is affordable (typically $200-$500)
- Some counties offer tie-down assistance programs
Proper anchoring is the single most important safety feature for mobile homes in hurricanes.
Secure Your Roof
The roof is the most vulnerable component in high winds:
Inspection points:
- Look for loose, lifted, or missing shingles/panels
- Check seams and edges for proper sealing
- Inspect roof-over systems for secure attachment
- Verify flashing is intact at all penetrations
- Check that nothing is loose that could become a projectile
Roof repairs should be completed before storm season. Emergency tarping after damage is temporary—prevention is better.
Protect Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are critical weak points:
Protection options:
- Plywood shutters: Affordable, effective (½" minimum thickness)
- Commercial storm shutters: Reusable, easier to install
- Impact-resistant windows: Permanent protection, no prep needed
Door reinforcement:
- Ensure all doors have deadbolt locks
- Install door braces for added strength
- Don't forget sliding glass doors—most vulnerable
- Secure manufactured door locks may need reinforcement
Pre-cut and label plywood panels before the season so installation is quick when storms approach.
Strengthen Skirting
Your skirting can become dangerous debris in high winds:
Preparation steps:
- Inspect all panels for secure attachment
- Reinforce connections to home and ground
- Consider removing lightweight lattice skirting before major storms
- Metal and concrete skirting withstand wind better than vinyl
- Ensure access doors are securely latched
Loose skirting panels become projectiles that can damage your home or neighbors'.
Clear the Exterior
Potential projectiles around your home cause damage:
Remove or secure:
- Patio furniture, grills, planters
- Lawn decorations and flags
- Garbage cans and recycling bins
- Garden tools and equipment
- Hanging plants and wind chimes
- Anything under awnings or carports
Trim trees:
- Remove dead branches before storm season
- Thin canopy to reduce wind resistance
- Remove trees leaning toward your home
- Clear branches near power lines (call utility)
What seems secure in normal weather becomes dangerous in hurricane-force winds.
Prepare Utilities
Protect your home's systems:
Electrical:
- Know where your main breaker is located
- Turn off power if evacuation is ordered
- Unplug major appliances before the storm
- Have flashlights and batteries ready
Propane:
- Secure propane tank to prevent movement
- Turn off gas at tank if evacuating
- Check connections for leaks before storm
Water:
- Know how to shut off main water supply
- Fill bathtub for emergency water
- Have bottled water stored (1 gallon per person per day)
Have an Evacuation Plan
Mobile homes should be evacuated for major hurricanes:
Evacuation essentials:
- Know your evacuation zone (Lake County has online maps)
- Identify shelter locations in advance
- Plan your evacuation route (avoid flood-prone roads)
- Prepare a go-bag with essentials
- Don't wait until the last minute—evacuate early
Important documents to take:
- Insurance policies and home documentation
- ID and financial documents
- Medical records and medications
- Photos/video of home contents for insurance
Your life is more valuable than your home. When evacuation is ordered, go.
After the Storm
Returning safely after a hurricane:
- Wait for official all-clear before returning
- Approach carefully—watch for downed power lines
- Document damage with photos before cleanup
- Check for gas leaks before entering
- Report damage to insurance immediately
- Be cautious of structural damage—if in doubt, stay out
Pro Specialty Services provides storm damage restoration and mobile home repairs throughout Lake County. We're here to help you prepare and recover.
Pre-Season Checklist Summary
Complete these before June 1:
- Inspect and upgrade tie-downs
- Repair any roof damage
- Pre-cut and store window covers
- Secure or reinforce skirting
- Trim trees and clear debris
- Prepare emergency supplies
- Review insurance coverage
- Plan evacuation route
Caleb Hutchinson
Owner, Pro Specialty Services
"I've seen too many mobile homes damaged by hurricanes that could have been better protected with preparation. The most important thing is tie-downs—get them inspected and upgraded if needed. And when a major hurricane is coming, evacuate. The home can be rebuilt, but you can't be replaced."
