Mobile Home Safety
A mobile home owner must be even more vigilant against fires than a house owner. That's because when mobile homes catch on fire--they tend to be total losses due to the smaller nature of the structure.
Furnaces
To guard against fires, mobile home owners should have their furnaces inspected at least once a year. You should also clean the blower and filters often to prevent overheating. Keep the furnace area clear of clutter--don't use it as a storage area. And never use your furnace as a clothes dryer.
Electrical Systems
Your wiring and your appliances should be in good working order. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of mobile home fires. Make sure, if you get a new major appliance, that your electrical system can handle the job. If you're buying an older mobile home, have an electrical inspector look at the wiring system to make sure it's safe.
And watch out for signs of wiring trouble:
- Flickering lights not due to using big appliances
- Warm, inoperable, strange-smelling or discolored switch plates or outlets
- Sparking or electrical arcing
- A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
If you encounter any of these problems, call an electrician immediately. And never run extension cords under rugs.
Space Heaters
Mobile home owners should avoid using space heaters if at all possible. Keep space heaters away from drapes, clothing, bedding and other places they might come into contact with flammable materials.
Smoke Detectors
Make sure you have a working smoke detector in your mobile home. If you have bedrooms at opposite ends of the home, you should have a smoke detector at each end. Click here for more information on smoke detectors. Click here for more information on Smoke Detectors.
Fire Extinguishers
Your mobile home should be equipped with a working fire extinguisher, conveniently located. Click here for more information on Fire Extinguishers.
Gas
If you have a natural gas or LP (Liquid Propane) line coming into your home, be sure to know where the shutoff valve is and how to operate it. Don't keep LP tanks inside your home, even temporarily. Don't use a gas stove to heat or dry your home. Also, make sure any gas appliances vent to the outside of your home--venting one to the inside can cause death by carbon monoxide poisoning.
And don't ever check a gas line with a match or other open flame. Don't try to hook one up yourself, either. Leave both tasks to a qualified service technician.
Home Markings
Make sure your lot is clearly marked. The Fire Department will need to be able to see the numbers on your home in the event of an emergency.