Storm shelters for mobile homes
Mobile homes account for a large share of tornado deaths. Here are the facts and your shelter options.
The numbers
- From 1995 to 2018, about 38% of U.S. tornado deaths (672 of 1,775) happened in mobile homes, according to a study in the American Meteorological Society's journal Weather, Climate, and Society.
- In 2026 so far, the Storm Prediction Center's preliminary count lists 12 of 15 tornado deaths in manufactured or mobile homes (report dated Jun 23, 2026).
Sources: Tornado Fatalities in Context: 1995-2018 (AMS) · SPC 2026 preliminary killer tornadoes
Your options
- A shelter on your land: an in-ground or above-ground shelter anchored on its own slab, close to your door. Mobile homes can't hold a safe room inside.
- A community or neighbor's shelter: know exactly where it is and how long it takes to get there, and leave early when a tornado watch is issued.
- Rebates: Mississippi's program lets mobile or manufactured home owners apply only if they also own the land (MEMA). Check the rebates page for your state.
"Leave early" and "know the route" are our practical suggestions; follow your local emergency manager's guidance.