Safety is a Priority When Heating Manufactured Homes
Release Date: October 9, 2008
Release Number: 1763-193
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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Federal officials are urging residents living in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manufactured homes to observe fire safety precautions.
As winter draws near, FEMA urges people in manufactured homes to use only the built-in heater to heat their manufactured homes. Occupants should not use kerosene heaters; the kitchen stove or oven; or electric space heaters.
"As the cold weather approaches, Iowans need to take the necessary safety precautions to protect themselves and their families," said Tina Potthoff, Rebuild Iowa Office communications director. "It is imperative that those living in manufactured homes this winter listen to the experts."
Fire Program Specialist Kathy Gerstner of the U.S. Fire Administration, a sister agency of FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, offers several fire prevention tips for residents of manufactured homes:
- Shut off all appliances before leaving home;
- Keep flammable materials away from the stove top;
- Know where the fire extinguisher is in the unit and learn how to use it;
- Have an the emergency exit plan, manufactured home units are equipped with two exits;
- Do not store gasoline or other flammable liquids in or under the manufactured home;
- Do not store gasoline-powered vehicles or equipment in the manufactured home;
- Never leave a candle burning unattended in the manufactured home;
- And never smoke in bed.
Firefighters at every level stress the importance of having working smoke alarms. Change batteries at least once per year or when the battery begins to "chirp". Residents should pick a date they can remember, like a birthday or the change between Daylight Savings and Standard time. It is not necessary in most cases to change the batteries twice a year.
"We want everyone staying in a FEMA manufactured home to be safe," said Bill Vogel, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. "If those staying in a manufactured home feel their health or safety is in danger at any time, they should leave immediately and contact local emergency officials."
The contact number for maintenance or repairs is listed inside each manufactured home. The Housing Hotline is 1-866-274-4392. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Rebuild Iowa Office and FEMA urge all homeowners, renters and manufactured home residents to have a family emergency preparedness plan, which should include family members with special needs and pets.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Thursday, 09-Oct-2008 10:09:31