Safety Assessment Program Evaluator Student Manual

CA Emergency Mgmt. Agency Safety Assessment Program Evaluator Manual April 2011Photo courtesy Fred Turner, EERIFigure 3-1 – Jack standSome common questions for consideration when evaluating the safety of mobile homes includes:Is the home stable on its support system? If fallen, is there a potential of it fallingfurther?Are accessories such as awnings, decks, and room additions stabilized to prevent furtherfalling or significant movement from aftershocks or strong winds?Are ingress and egress dangerous or markedly impaired due to debris or racking?Have one or more of the jack stands penetrated the floor of the unit?Is there a potential for fire resulting from broken gas lines?Is there a significant health contamination from displaced sewer connections?Is there any electrical energizing of metal coverings or other metal parts due to damagedor fallen electrical utilities or connections?Since mobile homes are usually several feet above the ground on their jack stands, the utilitiesare often damaged when the units fall in an earthquake. The water and sewer pipes, and possiblythe gas lines, will probably be severely damaged or destroyed when this happens. Watchcarefully for the water heaters and gas ranges or stoves when looking at the unit.Geotechnical issues are also a concern. Differential settlement from liquefaction orunconsolidated fill can seriously affect the level of mobile homes, and as a result, their safety. Amobile home that is seriously out of level could have grounds for a RESTRICTED USE placard.82