Fire Safety in Mobile Homes

Mobile homes for sale are transportable structures that are fixed to a frame and especially designed to be towed to a residential site. Manufactured homes are different from modular or prefabricated homes, they are factory-built and then towed in sections to be installed at a permanent location.

National fire data indicate that mobile homes built to safety standards have much lower risk of death and a significantly reduced risk of injury if fire occurs compared to pre-standard single wide mobiles homes or double wide mobile homes.. Since the mobile homes are required to be sold with installed or readily installable smoke alarms, this suggests a problem with detection devices being removed by occupants. Before we find safety solution for mobile homes, it’s necessary to know the causes of fire.

Electrical distribution equipment is the number-one cause of manufactured home fires. Other significant causes of fires are heating equipment, intentionally set fires, and cooking equipment, which are also the three leading causes of fires in dwellings.

To increase fire safety in manufactured homes, here are some guidelines:

Choose a home that complies with safety standards

If you are in the market to purchase or rent a manufactured home, select a home certifying compliance with safety standards.

Keep smoke alarms working

Never remove or disable a smoke alarm if you experiencing frequent nuisance alarms. Photoelectric smoke alarm is good alternative of the number of nuisance alarms for the areas nearest kitchens and baths. To test smoke alarms it is not necessary to use smoke or a real flame to test the smoke alarm’s operability. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the “test” button. Replace batteries at least once a year.

Make sure you have enough smoke alarms

For the best protection of the mobile home, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. If your manufactured home does not have smoke alarms in, immediately install new alarms and fresh batteries to protect these rooms.

Plan your escape

Know ahead of time how you will get out if you have a fire. Develop an escape plan which includes having an alternate exit out of every room. Make sure you can open and get out of windows and doors. Familiarize yourself with secondary escape routes for the bedroom and their operation and don’t block access to them. Security bars or grates over windows or doors should have quick-release devices installed inside, which allow you to open them in an emergency.

Electrical

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters monitor electric circuits for arcing and should be installed by electricians on bedroom circuits. Use extension cords for temporary convenience, not as a permanent solution. Electrical cords should not be run under carpets or rugs. Ground-fault circuit interrupters reduce the risk of electrical shock and should be installed by electricians in kitchens and baths. Hire a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights, frequent blown circuits, or a “hot” smell when using electricity.

Cooking

Supervise cooking and stay in the kitchen when heating anything on the stove. Because unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires in U.S. homes. Keep cooking surfaces clean and place anything that can burn well away from the range. Heat oil slowly and know how to slide a top over a pan if you experience a grease fire.