underground shelters

[Traci]

I was just wondering if anyone else who lives in a mobile home community as myself has the same problem i do when it comes to questioning our safety about parks having access to underground shelters from severe storms or tornadoes. The park i live in has the main office which has an underground room in the basement of the office building. however, the room is not big enough to hold absolutely everyone. we have about 500 homes in here. we have LOTS of children and LOTS of pets. Unfortunately those people who have pets have to leave them when they go to the shelter. other then that there is no other location for us to go in case of a tornado. I have asked about getting storm shelters built throughout the park to accomodate everyone here. and their pets. but unfortunately, the park owners cant get the funding to get them built. Apparently there are some state government officials that say that manufactured housing communities dont qualify for that type of funding. And there some park owners that dont want to pay to have them built either. I personally think that EVERY manufactured housing community should have several underground storm shelters built all over the park. depending on the size of the place of course. our safety is important too. dont you think?
thanks!:)
Traci

[JohnnyJ]

Yes, absolutely, your safety is important. Unfortunately, the owners of some
parks don't give a rip as long as you pay the rent on time. About the only thing
you can really do is move to your own property, and have your own shelter
constructed to fit your needs.

This problem exists in apartment communities as well. Those folks are no more
safe from a direct hit by a tornado than you are. I've seen the damage caused
by tornadoes, and they don't just tear up manufactured homes. If you live in a
brick house, that don't mean squat.

We have an above ground shelter built in to our home that's guaranteed to
withstand an F-5. It's poured, reenforced concrete, and doubles as the walk in
closet to our master bedroom. It cost a bit more to add this on, but in Alabama's
tornado alley, the wife and I felt it would be prudent. There is also enough room
for our dogs (3,) and our cat, and maybe a few close friends or relatives that
might be here.


good luck

[rmurray]

There are ways to protect your self and your family even in a park situation...A few links that might interest you..

http://www.iced.org/e-news/0404/

http://www.stormdefender.net/

Pics at http://www.stormdefender.net/models.htm