Travel Trailer (Mobile Home) Information
Formaldehyde Information
For residents provided with temporary housing following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Disaster Assistance
Frequently asked questions regarding travel trailers.
FEMA Trailer Helpline: 888-294-2822
Safety and Fire Prevention Tips
Stove Safety
Remember that knobs used to operate travel trailer stoves may differ from conventional ovens. Be sure and identify which knob is the igniter knob and which are the burner knobs.
- If the burner doesn’t start after two or three turns of the igniter knob, wait at least 30 seconds or ventilate the area before lighting trying to reignite the burner.
REMEMBER: The propane gas is still preset on the stove top if you turned the burner on but it didn’t light. If you light a match or try to reignite with the igniter knob that gas could cause an explosion.
- Don’t leave cooking food unattended for even a few minutes. If you have to go out, turn off all burners before leaving.
- For trailers with electric stoves, if the power goes off to your trailer, keep in mind that your stove’s burners may still be on. If you leave and the power comes back on, it will start your stove’s burners unless you turned them off.
Fire Safety
Each year, fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and injures approximately 25,000. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to combustibles, such as bedding, furniture and curtains.
Your State, Parish, City and Volunteer Fire Investigators would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from trailer fires.
- Do not make changes to your temporary home unless approved by FEMA. The gas system is set for the size of the propane tanks on your trailer. If you add a larger tank, you could overload the propane lines and the gas regulator.
- Do not bring flammable liquids (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) into your unit.
- Do not trap electrical cords against walls, under carpet, in walkways. Remember, your trailer outlets can only handle so many electrical appliances, do not overload circuits.
- Never, never smoke in bed in a trailer. If you must smoke in the trailer, use deep, metal or ceramic ash trays and make sure cigarettes are completely out before discarding them.
- Be sure the smoke detectors are working and test them monthly. If they are not working properly, call FEMA and report it.
- And, never leave a candle burning unattended in a trailer.
Family Plan
Include the entire family in your preparations so they all know the plan.
- Determine two ways of escape. The windows in the trailer are removable and are large enough for most people to go through. And make sure windows are accessible and can be opened in the event you must exit through them in a fire.
- Discuss and agree on what to do with a pet if fire breaks out.
- Designate a place outside where all family members can meet after escaping a fire.
- If a fire breaks out in your trailer, keep your head away from the ceiling where the heat is worst. Stay low and get out as quick as you can.
- If possible, close the door when you leave to help cut off the oxygen to the fire.
- Make sure part of your plan includes taking care of people who may need special help.
- Locate the nearest place where you can call 911 and assume that your cell phone won’t be available for the call.
- Exercise the evacuation plan with the whole family including taking the pets. FEMA Trailer Helpline:888-294-2822.
Propane Safety
If you suspect that you have a gas leak in your trailer, don’t look for the leak yourself. Get out immediately, leave the door open behind you and then, from outside the trailer, call 911 or your local fire department to report the leak.
If a gas leak is suspected, don’t operate the stove igniter knob, and don’t turn on or off electrical appliances or light switches. If you can do it safely, turn off the gas at the propane tanks and turn off power to your trailer at the pole or at the main switch coming from your house while you wait for the fire department to arrive.
- Always be sure to have proper ventilation in your trailer when you are cooking.
- Find the propane heater exhaust point for your trailer (IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE FINDING IT, CALL FEMA) and make sure all flammable items such as towels, wood or dead bushes are clear of it.
- When you replace propane tanks after getting them refilled, check for leaks by sniffing the area for a rotten onion smell. If you smell a leak, reconnect the lines and recheck the connections and call the FEMA Trailer Helpline (888-294-2822) if the leak persists.
- Check for gas leaks before removing or attaching the trailer battery cables. FEMA Trailer Helpline 888-294-2822.
Security
If you witness criminal activity occurring in your trailer park, call the local authorities or report it to the FEMA contracted security personnel or the park manager. If you don’t report it, the criminal activity may get worse.
- Teach your children that stray animals they encounter in trailer parks may not be friendly. They should treat all animals off a leash as dangerous.
- If there is a pool in the trailer park, make sure you supervise your children closely and teach them that they are never to visit the pool without your approval and never without adult supervision.
- Trailer parks have lots of children around. Get in the habit of always walking around the back of your car to check for children before backing out.
- Don’t get into arguments with neighbors. If you have a dispute you can’t resolve peacefully, contact the authorities.
Tornado Safety
In the event of a tornado, get out immediately. Go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
Last Modified: Monday, 20-Aug-2007 10:35:22 EDT