Quick Answer:
Mobile and manufactured homes are not considered safe shelter during a tornado, even when properly anchored. Oklahoma families should plan ahead to reach a sturdy building or storm shelter before severe weather arrives. Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground and below-ground storm shelters for mobile home properties throughout Oklahoma.
Living in a mobile or manufactured home doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for Oklahoma tornadoes. It does mean you need to decide where you’ll take shelter before a warning is issued.
The National Weather Service advises mobile home residents to leave for a sturdy building or designated storm shelter when tornadoes threaten. Staying inside the home should not be your tornado plan.
Why Mobile Homes Are More Vulnerable to Tornadoes
Manufactured homes are built differently from permanent site-built homes. Even when properly installed and anchored, they can be severely damaged or destroyed by tornado winds.
That’s why anchors and tie-downs should never be confused with a tornado safe room. They are important parts of properly securing a manufactured home, but they don’t make the home a safe place to shelter during a tornado.
Don’t Wait for a Tornado Warning to Decide Where to Go
If you don’t have a storm shelter at your property, know where you’ll go before severe weather arrives.
- Identify a nearby sturdy building or designated storm shelter.
- Know how long it takes your family to get there.
- Leave early enough that you aren’t driving while a tornado is approaching.
- Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
- Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your phone.
- Consider a NOAA Weather Radio, especially for overnight warnings.
- Include children, pets, older adults, and anyone with mobility needs in your plan.
Outdoor warning sirens shouldn’t be your only warning method. They’re primarily designed to alert people outdoors and may not wake you inside your home.
Can You Install a Storm Shelter at a Mobile Home?
Yes. Sprague’s Backhoe regularly installs storm shelters on Oklahoma properties with mobile and manufactured homes.
The shelter is a separate structure and does not rely on the mobile home for its tornado protection.
Property access, underground utilities, overhead lines, drainage, and the available installation area all need to be considered when choosing the shelter location.
Above-Ground Storm Shelters for Mobile Homes
Above-ground concrete storm shelters are a practical option for many mobile home properties.
They provide level entry with no interior stairs, making them easier to access for children, older adults, people with mobility concerns, and families bringing pets into the shelter.
Sprague’s Backhoe offers standard 5×7, 6×8, and 7×9 above-ground models. Installation is available statewide in Oklahoma, with delivery charges applying more than 60 miles from Blanchard.
Above-ground shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines and are secured directly into the ground using a steel anchoring system.
What About a Below-Ground Storm Shelter?
Below-ground storm shelters can also be installed at many mobile home properties.
Sprague’s Backhoe offers standard Slope Front and Easy Access models. Below-ground installation is generally available within about 60 miles of Blanchard, with some properties outside that area considered depending on location.
Because installation requires excavation, drainage, underground utilities, equipment access, and ground conditions are important when determining whether a property is a good fit.
Where Should the Storm Shelter Go?
The best location is one your family can reach quickly while still meeting installation and equipment-access requirements.
For an above-ground installation, Sprague’s Backhoe needs approximately 10 feet of width and 14 feet of vertical clearance along the truck’s path. The truck also needs room for outriggers and overhead clearance during installation.
Utilities must be located before digging or anchoring. Homeowners also need to identify private lines that may not be marked through OKIE811, such as private electric, water, propane, septic, or other privately installed utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mobile home safe during a tornado if it’s tied down?
No. Proper anchoring is important, but a tied-down manufactured home should not be treated as a tornado shelter. The National Weather Service recommends moving to a sturdy building or designated storm shelter when tornadoes threaten.
Can Sprague’s Backhoe install a storm shelter next to a mobile home?
Yes, if the property has a suitable installation location and adequate equipment access. The exact placement depends on utilities, overhead clearance, drainage, and property layout.
Is an above-ground storm shelter safe for a mobile home property?
Yes. The storm shelter is a separate structure and does not depend on the mobile home for protection. Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground concrete shelters designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Can I get a below-ground shelter at a mobile home?
Yes, when the property is suitable for excavation and within the installation service area. Drainage, utilities, ground conditions, and equipment access must be considered.
What size storm shelter should I get?
Choose based on the number of people who will regularly use the shelter, plus pets, emergency supplies, and the amount of personal space your family wants. Sprague’s Backhoe offers several standard above-ground and below-ground sizes.
Can tornadoes happen outside Oklahoma’s spring storm season?
Yes. Oklahoma tornado activity historically peaks during spring, but tornadoes can occur during other months. Families living in mobile homes should keep their tornado plan ready year-round.
Are storm shelters FEMA certified?
No. FEMA does not certify or approve individual storm shelter products. The shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile and manufactured homes should not be used as tornado shelters.
- Tie-downs and anchors don’t turn a mobile home into a tornado safe room.
- Know where you’ll shelter before severe weather arrives.
- Don’t wait until a tornado is approaching to begin driving to another shelter.
- Both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters can work for mobile home properties.
- Above-ground shelters provide level entry without interior stairs.
- Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters statewide in Oklahoma and below-ground shelters throughout its central Oklahoma service area.
Need a storm shelter for your mobile or manufactured home? Contact Sprague’s Backhoe at (405) 600-4905 for a free quote and help choosing an installation option for your Oklahoma property.
