Hurricane Damage to Mobile Homes: What You Need to Know

After a hurricane, stay out of the mobile home until you check for hazards. Look for sagging ceilings, broken glass, or exposed wiring. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave and call the utility company from a safe distance. Wear sturdy boots and gloves if you enter.

Turn off the main power and water supply if you can do so safely. If the floor feels soft or the home shifted on its foundation, do not go inside. Have a professional inspect the structure first. Your safety matters more than saving belongings.

Once it is safe, open windows and doors to let air move through. Use fans and a dehumidifier if you have power. Remove wet carpets, padding, and furniture that cannot dry quickly. The faster you dry things, the less chance mold has to grow.

If the power is out, use generators outdoors only, never inside. Keep a careful eye on moisture in walls and under flooring. Even if the surface feels dry, hidden water can cause rot and mold. In a mild marine climate with wet winters and dry summers, lingering dampness is a real risk.

Contact your insurance company as soon as you are safe. Describe the damage and ask about coverage for temporary housing and cleanup. Take notes on every phone call, including names and dates. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Ask your adjuster what documentation they need and how long the process takes. If you disagree with their decision, you can ask for a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster. A qualified attorney can help if the claim is denied unfairly. Do not sign anything until you understand it.