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Hurricane Guide 2006	Hurricane Preparation Guide 2006

Tie mobile homes down

By Times Staff
Published April 16, 2006

Since 1995 building standards were imposed, factory-built homes can withstand very strong winds. But if the foundation and the tie-down and anchoring system are not intact or up to today's safety standards, you could be in for trouble.

If a heavy storm with strong winds causes your home to shift as little as 1 or 2 inches, major damage can occur.

If your home was built before 1999 and/or if you have not had your tie-downs inspected within the past four or five years, call the Division of Motor Vehicles at (850) 413-7600 to request a list of licensed tie-down inspectors for your area.

Anchor-Tight Mobile Home Service of Largo has collaborated with the Federation of Manufactured Home Owners to make an excellent video on proper tie-downs and how older homes can be brought up to today's standards. It is strongly recommended that every homeowner association contact the FMO at (727) 530-7539 for a free copy of the video. Anchor-Tight - (727) 559-0777 - will perform inspections throughout the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida.

Some of the other things you must do to be prepared for the summer storm season:

-- Review your insurance coverage. Make sure you are properly covered for hurricanes and storms and you have the information needed to make a claim. Have a copy of your policy and the name, address and phone number of your agent.

-- Talk with your park management and homeowner association to check on their plans for residents in case of a severe storm.

-- Residents of manufactured homes are typically the first ordered to evacuate when a hurricane looms. Plan now where you will go. A public shelter should be your last resort.

Len Bonifield writes a column on manufactured housing that appears Saturdays in the St. Petersburg Times.

[Last modified April 13, 2006, 16:13:40]