MOBILE HOMES

Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to hurricane-force winds. Anchor the mobile home with over-the-top or frame ties. When a storm threatens, do what you can to secure your home, then take refuge with friends, relatives or public shelter.

Before you leave, take the following precautions:

• Pack breakables in boxes and put them on the floor
• Remove mirrors and tape them. Wrap mirrors and lamps in blankets and place them in the bathtub or shower
• Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood on all windows
• Shut off utilities and disconnect electricity, sewer and water lines. Shut off propane tanks and leave them outside after anchoring them securely
• Store awning, folding furniture, trashcans and other loose outdoor objects.

INSPECT TIE-DOWNS ANNUALLY

First you’ll need to know the basics of the three parts of the anchoring system:

• First are the anchors, steel rods several feet long that screw into the ground. Only a few inches of the anchors should be above ground level; otherwise, they won’t have the holding power they’re designed for.
• Second are the steel straps. They fasten around the frame of the mobile home and are attached to the anchors with adjustable bolts. Almost all homes should have at least eight, and sometimes more than 24 steel straps, depending on the size and when the home was built and installed. The straps themselves shouldn’t be loose. They should have some tension to keep the home from rocking and working loose in high winds. If you can reach the straps, give them a tug to make sure they’re tight. Otherwise, poke at them with a long stick or board to make sure they’re not loose.
• Last are the piers that the home sits on. They’re usually made of concrete blocks stacked on a concrete pad, although a few homes may be on solid concrete piers, especially if they’re elevated several feet above the ground. Make sure that the piers are straight and stable and that the blocks aren’t crooked or broken. If there are wooden shims or spacers between the piers and the home, make sure they’re set firmly and not rotted or damaged.

PREPARING YOUR YARD

The Solid Waste Authority has prepared the following list to help you get ready for hurricane season.

Pre-Hurricane Season Maintenance (December through April)

• All major cutting of vegetation (i.e., tree removal) should be completed long before June 1, the beginning of hurricane season. Do all major cutting/tree removal from December through April.
• Cut back all trees and weak branches that could contact buildings.
• Thin your foliage so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees/plants will be uprooted.
• Place tree trimmings at the curb on your regular scheduled collection day and follow the 6/50 rule (i.e. six feet in length and each piece can not exceed 50 lbs. In weight.
• Containerize small pieces of vegetation such as pine needles, leaves, twigs, etc., in bags or cans that weigh less than 50 lbs. When full and place at the curb on your scheduled day.
• Clean your yard of any items that could become missiles in a storm such as old lumber, broken lawn furniture, etc., and place curbside on your bulk waste collection day