Mobile Homes Aid Brooke County Flood Families 

First Mobile Homes and Trailers for Temporary Ivan Housing

Release Date: October 18, 2004
Release Number: 1558-059

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides

Charleston, W. Va. -- Two mobile homes are being readied in Brooke County to house two families whose homes had major damage in last month’s Hurricane Ivan floods, the first of a number of temporary units being made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Temporary housing is provided when suitable rental housing is unavailable. To date, FEMA is processing 17 requests for mobile homes and 14 for travel trailers.

“FEMA works aggressively to help people displaced by a disaster to find replacement housing,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer. “That includes scanning a locality for rental housing, checking newspaper ads, and calling realtors to find vacancies. When no rental units are available, we provide mobile homes or travel trailers on a temporary, as-needed basis. Secure housing is our first disaster priority.”

The FEMA mobile homes in Brooke County are being installed on pads in a commercial mobile home park. Most have three bedrooms, but smaller two-bedroom units are available.

In addition to mobile homes, FEMA provides travel trailers for temporary housing needs. Travel trailers usually are placed next to damaged homes that still have operable utilities. A travel trailer can be hooked up to the existing electricity and water lines. It is heated with propane gas. This allows the homeowner to stay with the property while it is being repaired.

Mobile homes or travel trailers provided by FEMA are required to comply with all local building code and housing regulations. Sites must be inspected and declared suitable by local officials.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazard’s and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Monday, 18-Oct-2004 11:30:44