After storm damage to a mobile home
A general reference for what to document after a storm damages a mobile or manufactured home — safety, the damage record, insurance and FEMA contacts, and the park's responsibilities.
Published June 4, 2026
After a storm damages a mobile or manufactured home, safety comes first, followed by documenting the loss for insurance or disaster assistance. This is a general reference for what people commonly do, not instructions for any specific situation or advice about a particular claim. Follow guidance from local authorities, your insurer, and any disaster program; consider a licensed attorney for disputes.
What to document after storm damage
- Safety first — gas, electrical, and structural hazards; whether the home is safe to enter and what local authorities advise.
- A dated photo and video record — the home's exterior, interior, roof, skirting, and contents, before cleanup.
- A written damage list — room by room and item by item, with estimated values where possible.
- Your insurance policy — the coverage, deductibles, and the claim-filing deadline and process.
- Flood coverage — whether you have separate flood insurance through the NFIP, since standard policies usually exclude flood.
- Disaster declarations and FEMA — whether a federal or state disaster has been declared and what assistance is available.
- Receipts for emergency repairs and lodging — anything spent to prevent further damage or to stay elsewhere.
- The park's responsibilities — damage to the lot, roads, common areas, or park-supplied utilities versus the home itself.
- Your title and ownership records — needed for some claims and assistance applications.
Why each item matters
Safety decisions protect you before anything else. A photo, video, and written record made before cleanup is what insurers and disaster programs typically rely on to verify a loss. Knowing your policy and any flood coverage tells you what is covered and by when you must file. A disaster declaration can unlock FEMA help. Receipts support reimbursement, and identifying the park's responsibilities matters because the home and the lot/common areas are usually covered by different parties.
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Frequently asked questions
- Who is responsible for repairs after a storm in a mobile home park?
- It depends. A resident who owns the home is generally responsible for the home itself, while the park is typically responsible for the lot, roads, and common areas and the utility systems it supplies; specifics vary by lease and state. Insurance and, after a declared disaster, FEMA may help. This is general, educational information, not legal or insurance advice.
- Should I document mobile home storm damage before cleaning up?
- Many people photograph and list the damage before making temporary repairs, because insurers and disaster programs often ask for proof of the loss. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs. This is general information, not advice about any specific claim — follow your insurer's and any disaster program's instructions.