Category Archives: Safety

Happy 4th of July! Be Sure to Celebrate Safely!

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Photo by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash

For many, the 4th of July is the ultimate summer celebration: hot weather, outdoor gatherings, grilled foods, and, of course, fireworks. Beautiful though they are, fireworks cause thousands of wildfires on an annual basis, leading to millions in property damage. With California in drought conditions and fire season worsening each year, we wanted to take a moment to address fireworks and safety for this holiday.

Consider skipping the fireworks altogether. Tempting though it is to use fireworks at your own celebration, they can be very dangerous. In a study published last year regarding fires in the U.S., the authors found that from 1992 to 2015, humans ignited more wildfires on July 4th than any other day of the year.

This year, many fire experts are urging people to just skip the pretty combustibles altogether. A small spark in the wrong place can be enough to turn into a full, raging fire. According to AccuWeather, 2020 saw record-breaking fires. In California alone, the 2020 wildfire season burned over 4.3 million acres, more than double the previous state record. This year, drought conditions are making many think that the 2021 wildfire season will be just as, if not more, dangerous.

Any fire in California right now could spell big trouble, but you should take extra care around your mobile home. Older mobile homes especially are vulnerable to fire, and can go from a small flame to fully engulfed in mere minutes.

What could you do instead of at-home fireworks? Maybe this is the year to stick to seeing fireworks shows at a local event manned by professionals. You could watch recordings of fireworks on TV. Or, maybe this can be the year that you use those pretty Christmas lights in the summer, since we never really want to take them down anyway. Just string up some pretty lights and use your imagination – it could be all the lovely light of fireworks without the noise and danger!

Whatever you choose to do, we wish you a safe and happy holiday!

Spotting Scams – What is spoofing?

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Spoofing is a technique where scammers “spoof” or falsify their identifying information to make you think it is coming from a trusted source. More advanced scammers can even make their caller ID show up on your phone as a known contact, like a family member. Other common techniques involve sending emails with official-looking logos for valid businesses, but the user’s email address will be from a personal account (ex. user@hotmail.com) instead of from an official business account for the organization they claim to represent.

Raging Fires, Rising Concerns

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With the return of deadly California wildfires, the devastating effects of fire have been on the forefront of many people’s minds. 2020 has already become the largest wildfire season in California’s recorded history, with over 4 million acres of land burned as of October 4th, and fires still raging. Given that fire is such a hot topic at the moment, let’s take some time to review some of the primary concerns specific to wildfires, broader fire concerns as they relate to living in a manufactured home, and some preparation and safety precautions you can take now and in the future.

Wildfire Concerns

Beyond the obvious safety issues of fires – physical danger, property damage, visibility concerns – fires also pose a public health risk. Particulate matter (tiny particles) in wildfire smoke can contain harmful substances, including those that cause cancer. Because the particles are so small, a fraction of the diameter of human hair, some can enter the lungs and even bloodstream. There is well-documented scientific evidence linking particulates to negative health effects for the heart and lung. Even brief periods of smoke exposure can put you at risk for future disease and aggravate existing conditions.

The amount of smoke and particulates near you can fluctuate on a daily basis, so it is good practice to monitor the Air Quality Index. You can get real time updates online from the U.S. Forest Service Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program or the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. For a mobile friendly version, check out California’s BreatheWell site. You can also check with your local air district for more information; contact information for California air districts can be found in the list here.

Protecting Yourself from Smoke

– Check air quality
– Close doors and windows
– Run AC on recirculate
– Use a certified air filter
– Avoid vacuuming, frying food, or using gas appliances, which add to indoor pollution
– Wear a mask inside if needed

Fire and Manufactured Housing

An unfortunate fact about living in a manufactured home is that you may be at greater risk if you have a fire. In 1976, the Department of Housing and Urban Development established more restrictive standards for safety and construction. Homes manufactured before 1976 were not required to meet those guidelines and are more likely to have been built with more flammable materials and have fewer exits in the event of a fire. Thankfully, a 2007-2011 study by the National Fire Protection Association found that mobile homes built after 1976 had a rate of fire deaths 57% lower than those built before HUD’s standards.

A scary reality is that fire’s destructive power is incredibly fast. A small flame can morph into a raging fire in minutes, and the nature of manufactured homes may also put them at greater risk for structural damage faster than a site-built home. Fires have been known to fully engulf a mobile home in under 15 minutes. Knowing this, it is extremely important to be prepared in the event of a fire and practice fire safety in your day to day life.

Fire Safety and Preparation

Be Prepared to Evacuate

This is especially important with the current prevalence of wildfires, but knowing what to do before you have to evacuate due to fire can help save you time and help you keep calm. Understand that if you are advised to evacuate, you should do so immediately. Taking time after an evacuation order to pack up your most treasured belongings could cost you your life. Below are some steps you can take to prepare for the possibility of evacuation.

Regularly tune in to your local news and/or radio for the most up-to-date information about the fires near you.

Know your exits. Map out multiple escape routes before you need them. Check that you are able to easily open windows and remove screens. Practice your routes with your family.

Have a Go Kit ready. Prepare a disaster supply kit with necessities for you, other members of your household, and any pets. A helpful list of what to include in your kit can be found here.

Precautions to Take Now

Make sure you have fire insurance for your home. While it is an unpleasant thing to think about, there is always a possibility that you may lose your home and belongings to a fire. It is worth considering insuring your home against fire and for the full replacement value. Keep in mind that it will likely cost more than the original value of your home to replace it, plus the cost of new furniture, appliances, and other belongings.

Install smoke detectors. Have one on every level of your home. Test them monthly. Change the batteries yearly. Change the detectors every 10 years.

Purchase fire extinguishers. Get a fire extinguisher appropriate for your home, as there are different types for different kinds of fire. Learn how to use one properly from your local fire department.

General Safety and Fire Risk Reduction

Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords. Limit the number of appliances and devices plugged into outlets and surge protectors.

Periodically check electrical wiring. Look for exposed or fraying wires. Dark marks on electrical outlets could be an indicator of electrical issues.

Use items like space heaters and candles under supervision and for short periods of time. Be sure to keep them away from flammable items.

Maintain and keep heat sources clean. Dust accumulated on heat strips could ignite when you turn on the heat for the first time in the season.

Are you ready for the next Earthquake?

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Earthquakes have been shaking Southern Californian’s and their homes quite a bit over the last week. It is important to be prepared. Especially if you live in a mobile home, as stated on the American Red Cross website, “Mobile homes and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk during an earthquake.”

First you need to make sure your home is properly insured. Many things can happen to your home because of an earthquake including damage from fallen trees, fire and flooding from cracked pipes.

Next you must prepare a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe.  Choose a safe place in your home to ride out the earthquake far from any windows or other objects that could fall on you. According to the American Red Cross, “Doorways are no stronger than any other part of a structure so don’t rely on them for protection! During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. It will help shelter you from falling objects that could injure you during an earthquake.”

Bolt down all larger items including bookcases and china cabinets. Make sure you have an emergency kit with water, food and clothing.

Have a plan for after the earthquake stops. Know where you will go if there is damage to your home.

For more information about Earthquake preparedness download this checklist provided by the American Red Cross, or visit their website http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake.

ALERT! Public Safety Power Shutoff

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According to the California electric power companies, in order to keep communities safe, they may need to turn off power during extreme weather or wildfire conditions. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. A public awareness program is underway with specific detailed information available at: https://prepareforpowerdown.com.

During a public safety power shutoff, ALL customers serviced by an affected power line will have their power shut off. If you rely on electric or battery dependent medical technologies such as breathing machines, a power wheelchair or scooter, a home oxygen or dialysis, it is critical that you have a plan in place for an extended power outage. Your plan should include:

The website discusses in detail how to prepare, what to expect, when a shutoff will occur, how long it will last and specific information for people who use electricity and battery dependent assistive technology and medical devices.

• Keep emergency phone numbers handy.

• Have a backup location where you can go.

It is important to prepare an emergency plan in advance in the event your family is affected by a power shutoff – or any other emergency.

• Make sure your energy company is aware of your medical device.

• Consider having a safe backup power source, such as a generator or uninterruptible power supply.

• Have a personal safety plan in place for every member of your household including pets.

• Establish multiple people you can contact for help who know how to operate your equipment and back-up systems.

• Plan for any medical needs like medications that need to be refrigerated or devices that require power.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides detailed Emergency Power Planning Information for People Who Use Electricity and Battery Dependent Assistive Technology and Medication Devises.

• Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including food, water, flashlights, a radio, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.

• Identify backup charging methods for phones.

What to expect if a Public Safety Power Shutoff is needed due to extreme weather conditions:

• Learn how to manually open your garage door.

• Early Warning Notification – Your energy company will aim to send customer alerts before shutting off power.

• Ongoing Updates – Your energy company will provide ongoing updates through social media, local news outlets and their website.

• Safety Inspections – After extreme weather has passed, your energy company will inspect the lines in affected areas before power is safely restored.

• Power Restoration – Power outages could last multiple days depending on the severity of the weather and other factors. It is important that you and your family have an emergency preparedness plan in place.

When will a Public Safety Power Shutoff occur? Every situation is unique.

Your energy company makes the decision to turn off power by monitoring local fire danger conditions across California and taking into consideration a combination of weather and environmental factors. These may include, but are not limited to:

HIGH WINDS AND HIGH WIND GUSTS LOW HUMIDITY LEVELS DRY VEGETATION that could serve as fuel for a wildfire FIRE THREAT to electric infrastructure REAL-TIME OBSERVATIONS by on-the-ground field experts

RED FLAG WARNING declared by the National Weather Service

How long will it take before power is restored? Power will remain out for as long as extreme and dangerous weather conditions pose a potential fire risk. After a Public Safety Power Shutoff event, your energy company will inspect and repair power lines and equipment so that power can be safely restored.

Depending on the severity of the weather and other factors, power outages could last several hours or multiple days – so it’s important you and your family have an emergency plan in place.