​​​​​​Marengo County Emergency Communications District

While these images are not from Marengo County, it is important to remember that several residents have tragically lost their lives over the years by remaining in a mobile home during severe weather.

These images are not from Marengo County, it is important to remember that this could be you.

Do you live in a mobile home, manufactured home, trailer, travel trailer, or RV?

Regardless of the classification, none of these structures are safe during severe weather. They are especially vulnerable to high winds from:

Severe thunderstorms

Tornadoes

Hurricanes

Other extreme weather events

Even if you try to shelter in a hallway, closet, or bathroom, you and your family are unlikely to be safe. Just because you survived the last storm in a mobile home or RV does not mean it will be safe in the next one.

Remember: Property can be replaced, but you and your family cannot. During severe weather, always seek a sturdy, permanent structure or designated storm shelter.

First, lets discuss Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes and Trailers!
Regardless of how well a mobile, manufactured home, or trailer is constructed, anchor system failures are the primary cause of most fatalities during severe weather.

Even well-built manufactured homes can be destroyed if they become airborne. It’s important to understand that mobile home anchorage systems are designed to provide lateral stability, not to resist uplift forces caused by high winds.

Whether you already live in a mobile home or are planning to purchase one, there are steps you can take to improve its survivability during severe weather.

Information obtained from the National Weather Service Birmingham. Illustrations courtesy of Dr. David Roueche, Auburn University.

Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, Trailers, Travel Trailers and RV's

Travel Trailers and RVs – Severe Weather Safety

Regardless of how well a travel trailer or RV (recreational vehicle) is built—or how much it costs—they are not safe during severe weather.

The facts:

RVs and travel trailers cannot withstand high winds produced by severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

Unlike mobile homes, RVs are not anchored to the ground or a foundation, making them highly vulnerable.

Dangers include:

RVs can be flipped, tossed, or completely destroyed by severe winds.

Flooding can sweep away an RV due to its lighter weight and lack of anchoring.

Falling trees or debris can land on an RV, destroying it and causing serious injury or death to those inside.

Important: Even if you have survived past storms in an RV or travel trailer, that does not guarantee safety in future storms