Ohio Departments of Commerce, Insurance urge manufactured home residents to prioritize preparedness
On the heels of the one-year anniversary, March 14, of a devastating tornado outbreak that impacted communities including Indian Lake, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance’s Manufactured Homes Program is partnering with the Ohio Department of Insurance to urge residents to prioritize safety and preparedness.
This week also marks Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs March 16-22, 2025. In recognition of this week, all Ohioans, especially those who live in manufactured homes, are urged to take proactive steps to ensure they’re prepared before the next storm hits, especially given their increased risk.
“Due to the nature of manufactured homes, individuals who live in those types of structures are more vulnerable to the effects of severe weather than those who live in more permanent structures,” said Robb Coventry, superintendent of the Division of Industrial Compliance. “As we saw this time last year, major weather events, including tornados, can strike Ohio communities with very little warming. A little preparedness today can make a huge difference in the event severe weather strikes.”
According to the National Weather Service, individuals in manufactured homes are 15 to 20 times more likely to die in tornado events than those in permanent structures.
“Ohioans are encouraged to address both the physical safety of their homes and their financial security with adequate insurance to avoid large out-of-pocket expenses during recovery,” said Judith L. French, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. “Lenders often require insurance, but once a property is paid off, some homeowners may choose to drop coverage. An insurance agent can help reduce the financial risk.”
To help protect and prepare Ohioans ahead of the next severe weather event, Commerce and ODI provide the following tips to reduce both their physical and financial risk.
Before the Storm
Residents are encouraged to take the following steps to get ready for severe weather:
• Review Your Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your insurance policy covers storm-related damage and you have adequate financial protection, including for wind and debris impacts. Contact your insurer with any questions about your policy. Utilize the Ohio Department of Insurance’s Severe Weather Preparation and Recovery Toolkit for insurance insight and guidance.
• Complete a Home Inventory: Document your possessions with photos and videos, and also verify their values to simplify a potential claim-filing process with your insurer.
• Identify Safe Shelter Options: Locate a nearby safe room, storm shelter, or sturdy building with a basement. Manufactured homes are not designed to withstand the extreme winds of a tornado.
• Enable Weather Alerts: Keep emergency weather notifications activated on your smartphone or have access to a weather radio to receive real-time updates about tornado watches and warnings.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock an emergency preparedness kit that includes bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important legal and insurance documents stored in a waterproof container.
After the Storm
Once severe weather has safely passed, residents should remain cautious as they begin recovery:
• Safety First: Only return to your home after local safety officials have confirmed that the area is safe and free of hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural instability.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your agent or insurer of any damages immediately to begin the claims process. Use your home inventory and stored documents to provide details about your policy and belongings.
• Document the Damage: Take detailed photos and videos of all damage to your home and belongings to support your insurance claim.
• Assess the Damage: If a manufactured home park operator or owner needs to request a damage assessment, please contact the Manufactured Homes Program at OhioManufacturedHomes@com.ohio.gov or 614-644-2223.
• Rebuild Safely: If your manufactured home was shifted or damaged, ensure it is re-installed by State of Ohio-licensed installers with proper permits and inspections before moving back in. This prevents further risks and complies with local regulations.
Additional Resources
Residents are encouraged to use Severe Weather Awareness Week as a time to review emergency plans, practice them with family, and stay informed. For more preparedness and recovery tips, visit the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness website at https://weathersafety.ohio.gov/weather-safety.
The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Manufactured Homes Program has jurisdiction over the installation of manufactured homes; the licensing and regulation of manufactured home park operators, installers, dealers, brokers, and salespersons; and the certification and regulation of manufactured home inspectors and inspection agencies.
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