About the Study

Due to their affordability, mobile and manufactured homes are a popular housing option throughout the southeastern United States. Unfortunately, these structures are prone to damage from high winds in tornadoes and thunderstorms that occur frequently in the region. Mobile and manufactured homes may be blown off their foundations causing both structural damage and injuries or death to residents inside. Properly installed anchorage systems can restrict the amount of movement experienced by mobile and manufactured homes during high wind events. In turn, they can reduce the amount of structural damage and the likelihood of occupant deaths and injuries. While a variety of potential factors may enable or limit the use of anchorage systems, this study focuses on the role of educational materials. The goal of the study is to inform the design of effective public educational materials that could increase adoption of anchorage systems and contribute to greater tornado resilience for mobile/manufactured housing structures and their residents.

This collaborative research is supported by funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in collaboration with investigators at the University of Oklahoma and Missouri University of Science and Technology. Sponsor ID: NA20OAR4590453.

Methods

This study asks owner-residents of mobile and manufactured homes about their knowledge, perceptions, and use of anchorage “tie-down” systems. Additionally, the research team would like feedback on a series of video simulations to be used as public educational materials. Participation involves taking part in a survey and interview with the research team either in person or virtually.

Are you interested in participating? We are recruiting participants who own a mobile or manufactured home and live in it as their primary residence. You must be 18 or older to participate. Participants must also live in an inland area in one these states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Tennessee. To learn more and see if you qualify, please answer the questionnaire below.

Interested in Participating?

We are recruiting participants who own a mobile or manufactured home and live in it as their primary residence. You must be 18 or older to participate. Participants must also live in an inland area in one these states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Tennessee. To learn more and see if you qualify, please answer the questionnaire below.

See if You Qualify

 

Research Team

 

Ronald Schumann

Dr. Ronald Schumann is an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science at the University of North Texas. With training in human geography and meteorology, his research interests include community recovery after disasters, risk perception, and social vulnerability to natural hazards.

Email: ronald.schumann@unt.edu

 

Ruxton Kelly

Ruxton Kelly is a Master’s student in the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science at the University of North Texas. His background includes climatology, meteorology, and environmental sustainability. His research interests include risk perception, hazard reduction, and social vulnerability to natural/climatological hazards.

Email: ruxtonkelly@my.unt.edu

 

Michael Penaluna

Michael Penaluna is a University of North Texas (UNT) graduate with a BS in Emergency Administration and Planning. After a 32-year career as an emergency management practitioner, he is obtaining an MS in Emergency Management and Disaster Science at UNT. His research interests include emergency preparedness, response, and resiliency.

Email: michaelpenaluna@my.unt.edu

 

Samir Nepal

Samir Nepal is a Master’s student in the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Science at the University of North Texas. His research interests include humanitarian response, disaster resilience, and evacuation.

Email: samirnepal@my.unt.edu