The Deadly Impact of Tornadoes on Mobile Homes: AP Analysis Reveals Disproportionate Fatalities
Tornadoes in the United States are disproportionately killing more people in mobile or manufactured homes, especially in the South, often victimizing some of the most socially and economically vulnerable residents. Since 1996, tornadoes have killed 815 people in mobile or manufactured homes, representing 53% of all the people killed at home during a tornado. The percentage of total tornado deaths that happen in mobile homes has been increasing, partly due to federal housing rules that only apply in hurricane zones. Experts argue that mobile homes are "death traps" compared to permanent homes when it comes to tornadoes, as they are not secured enough to the ground.