Hurricanes and tornadoes get all the attention from the media and general public. Yet damaging windstorms can occur during any season and at any time. Because of unique construction, your manufactured home requires special protection from sudden storms. To help your home withstand high winds, follow these five tips for securing your mobile home and protecting its contents.

1. Choose a position.

The position of your mobile home can have an impact on how well it handles a windstorm. To provide your mobile home with ideal wind resistance, position the home with the narrow side facing the most likely wind direction. The region’s weather service can help you find this information. Also, avoid placing the home in low or flood-prone areas or on top of a hill.

2. Install tie downs, anchors and piers.

Tying down a mobile home and adding anchors and piers are perhaps the most important ways you can help you mobile home weather a windstorm. Each state has its own rules, but Texas requires professional installation of new and pre-owned mobile homes. The installer must verify that the home is designed for the wind zone in which it is to be installed and the installer must follow the tie-down, pier and anchor installation instructions for each wind zone. If your home has been in one position for several years, check with an installer to make sure it meets current requirements.

3. Establish a windbreak.

Not only are trees lovely to look at, but they can help protect your mobile home during a windstorm by providing a windbreak. Several rows of trees that are at least 30 feet tall are the most effective. Pine trees aren’t typically wind resistant, but pecan, live oak, cypress and hickory will offer your home some protection. Check with a local arborist to find out what will work best in your area.

4. Devise a shelter plan.

Despite all of your efforts, a severe windstorm can make your mobile home an unsafe place to stay. Before an evacuation warning or warning about an approaching tornado are issued, know the location of nearby shelters and have a plan to reach them safely. Having a plan could save time in an emergency and your life.

5. Buy mobile home insurance.

To have peace of mind about the security of your mobile home, consider insurance protection against three types of loss: damage to your home from windstorm, fire or other physical damage; legal liability for damage or injury arising out of your negligence or that of a family member; and theft of personal property. Coverage requirements vary from state to state, but your Texas mobile home insurance agent will be able to explain the types of policies you need to protect your home.