PREPAREDNESS FOR MOBILE HOMEOWNERS

							                           Ward County, North Dakota
                            Emergency Management
                       PREPAREDNESS FOR HOMEOWNERS

The most important feature of any home is something you might not see when you walk
through the door. But it could save your life. It’s safety. And it comes in all shapes and
sizes: A home disaster plan, smoke detectors; fire extinguisher; escape routes; a home
disaster supply kit, carefully maintained heating and electrical systems and knowing what
to do and where to go in case of fire, flood, tornado or other disaster.

                          Home Preparedness Guide – The Plan
-     Discuss emergency procedures and hold practice drills with your family
             o Establish a location where your family will re-unite if separated
-     Post emergency telephone numbers
             o Include a contact out of town that everyone will know to call if separated
-     Assemble and store a home disaster supply kit (Visit the local Red Cross or go to
      www.ready.gov for a comprehensive list of recommended items)
-     Determine evacuation routes and alternate routes from your area
-     Know where main utility switches and cutoffs are and learn how to turn them off

    Additional information regarding disaster preparedness may be found in the back
                     of the SRT telephone book and www.ready.gov

                                     Severe Weather Safety
-     Be sure to keep a transistor radio or weather alert radio - with working batteries.
      o Tune your radio to KCJB AM 910, KYYX 97 FM
      o Television: tune to KXMC channel 13 (3 on cable) or KMOT channel 10 (7 on
           cable)
-     Pay close attention to weather reports. Know the difference between a watch (when
      conditions are ripe for a severe weather event) and a warning (when a severe weather
      event is occurring or is imminent).

MOBILE HOMEOWNERS: When a tornado warning has been issued, leave your
 manufactured home immediately. Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to severe
 weather, particularly tornadoes. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if
 precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued,
 take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. If shelter is not available, lie in ditch
 or low- lying area a safe distance away from the unit.
- Because of the relative rapid onset of severe weather, Mobile home owners are
   encouraged to coordinate shelter with nearby friends or relatives who have basements
   or other sturdy structures.

             o The City of Minot will open a shelter at Edison School (701 17th Ave SW)
               during Tornado Warnings.




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Document Date: 11/07
                           Ward County, North Dakota
                            Emergency Management
Weathe r Safety in a Sheltere d building/home:
- Go at once to a windowless, interior room; storm cellar; basement; or lowest level of
  the building.
- Get away from the windows.
- If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without
  windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
- Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract
  debris.
- Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and
  hold on to it.
- Use arms to protect head and neck.

                                     Home Fire Safety

-   Be sure you have properly operating s moke detectors and fire extinguis hers.
-   Insure your personal property. Shop around for a company that best meets your
    needs for renters or home owner’s insurance.
-   Plan, with the whole family, at least two escape routes from your home.
-   Practice fire drills regularly, using a smoke detector as a signal to start the drill.
    Follow your escape plan!
-   Deter Fire : Keep matches and lighters away from small children. Children tend to be
    curious about fire and tend to hide when frightened. Fire drills are most important for
    children between the ages of 2 and 12.
-   Maintain: Be sure you heating and electrical systems are properly maintained and in
    good working order.
-   Don’t overload: Carefully follow the instructions on all appliances and heating units,
    taking special care not to overload your electrical system.
-   Holidays : Be especially careful that your holiday decorations are safely displayed.
-   Store important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and
    insurance papers, in a fire-proof box or in the refrigerator, or rent a safety deposit box
    a your local bank.
-   If there is a fire: always crawl close to the floor in smoke.
-   Feel each door for heat before opening it.
-   If your clothing catches on fire, stop, drop to the floor and roll over and over again
    to put out the flames.
-   Call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone. Leave your home before calling
    for help.

                                        Flood Safety

-   If your home is locate d in a flood hazard area, be prepared to go to a safe place on
    high ground when flood or flash flood warnings are issued for your area.
-   Most standard residential policies do not cover flood loss. In flood-prone
    communities, the National Flood Insurance Program makes flood insurance available
    for manufactured homes on foundations. See you insurance broker for details.


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Document Date: 11/07