Why Are Mobile Homes Dangerous in a Tornado: Understanding the Risks in Oklahoma

Why are mobile homes dangerous in a tornado? The main reason is that they are not anchored to the ground as securely as traditional homes. Mobile homes are also not as sturdy and are more likely to be damaged or even destroyed in a tornado. Additionally, mobile homes are more likely to be overturned, which can cause serious injury or death.

Another reason why mobile homes are dangerous in a tornado is that they do not have basements or underground storm shelters. Basements and underground storm shelters provide a safe place to take cover during a tornado, as they are below ground and therefore less likely to be damaged by flying debris. However, mobile homes do not have this safety feature, which can leave residents vulnerable during a tornado.

To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of a tornado in a mobile home, it’s important to have a plan in place and to know where to take cover. One option is to invest in a concrete above ground storm shelter. These shelters are made of reinforced concrete and are anchored to the ground, providing a safe place to take cover during a tornado. They are also above ground, making them easy to access and providing protection from flying debris.

Another option is to invest in an in-ground storm shelter. These shelters are also made of reinforced concrete, but they are buried underground, providing an added level of protection from flying debris. However, they are harder to access and requires digging, excavation and other construction process to install.

It’s also important to know the signs of a tornado, such as a dark, greenish sky, a loud roar, and a rotating wall cloud and to have a way to receive weather alerts. The National Weather Service in Oklahoma recommends that residents have a way to receive weather alerts, such as a weather radio or a smartphone app that provides alerts. 

In conclusion, mobile homes are dangerous in a tornado because they are not anchored to the ground as securely as traditional homes, they are not as sturdy and are more likely to be damaged or even destroyed in a tornado, and they do not have basements or underground storm shelters. To protect yourself and your family from the dangers of a tornado in a mobile home, it’s important to have a plan in place, invest in a storm shelter, know the signs of a tornado, and have a way to receive weather alerts.