Mobile homes are an affordable housing option for many Oklahomans—but they come with serious risks when it comes to tornadoes. With severe weather being a yearly threat across the state, understanding the vulnerabilities of mobile homes is crucial to keeping your family safe.
Let’s explore why mobile homes are so dangerous during tornadoes and what you can do to protect yourself.
🚩 Why Mobile Homes Are High-Risk in Tornadoes
The primary reason mobile homes are dangerous in a tornado is their lack of anchoring. Unlike traditional homes, most mobile homes are not permanently secured to a concrete foundation. Even with skirting or tie-downs, they are far more likely to:
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Be lifted or overturned by high winds
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Collapse under pressure
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Suffer major damage from flying debris
According to FEMA, people living in mobile homes are 15 to 20 times more likely to be killed during a tornado than those in permanent structures.
🚫 No Basement, No Shelter: Limited Options for Safety
Another issue? Mobile homes don’t come with basements or built-in storm shelters. When a tornado warning is issued, that leaves many residents with nowhere to go.
If you live in a mobile home, the best protection is having access to a nearby above-ground or below-ground storm shelter that meets FEMA and ICC-500 safety standards.
🧱 Safer Alternatives: Above-Ground Storm Shelters
Above-ground storm shelters are ideal for mobile home communities and rural homes without basements. They offer:
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Easy access, especially important for families with young children or mobility concerns
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Reinforced concrete construction
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Anchoring directly into the ground
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Exceed FEMA guidelines for EF5-level protection
View our above ground shelter options
🌪️ In-Ground Storm Shelters: Traditional, But Effective
While below-ground storm shelters can offer excellent protection, they aren’t always accessible for everyone. However, for those who prefer underground safety, our slope-front and easy access shelters are great options.
Not sure which is right for you? Take our quiz to find the best fit for your home and needs.
📱 Know the Signs and Stay Informed
No matter what kind of home you live in, it’s critical to stay alert during Oklahoma’s tornado season. Learn to recognize early signs of a tornado:
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Dark, greenish skies
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Large hail
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A loud, freight train-like roar
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Rotating clouds or funnel shapes
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts—weather radios, smartphone apps, or text notifications. Learn more in our post on how to prepare for storm season in Oklahoma.
🛑 What You Shouldn’t Do in a Mobile Home During a Tornado
If you’re at home during a tornado warning:
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Do not try to “ride it out” inside the mobile home
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Do not seek shelter under an overpass
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Do not assume you’ll have enough time to drive to safety once the warning is issued
Instead, have a shelter plan ready and leave immediately for a safe structure or storm shelter when watches or warnings are issued.
✅ Final Thoughts
Mobile homes are simply not built to withstand Oklahoma’s tornadoes—and the data proves it. If you live in one, having a storm shelter is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re proud to install the highest-quality precast storm shelters across the state, including at mobile home parks and rural properties. We’ll help you choose the right model, walk you through grants or rebates, and make sure your shelter is ready before the next storm rolls in.
📞 Contact us today to learn more about your options—and get peace of mind before tornado season arrives.
