Transportable Temporary Housing Units and Severe Weather

Release Number:

FS-44

Release Date:

January 30, 2025

FEMA’s Transportable Temporary Housing Units are designed to be safe and secure short-term housing solutions, but severe weather can still pose a risk for damage. It is important to know how to protect yourself.

Follow these practices to protect yourself, your family and your property while living in a temporary housing unit:

Never take shelter in the unit during high winds, a tornado, hurricane or flood.
All units are equipped with a weather radio. If severe weather is predicted, monitor the weather radio or local media and comply with evacuation orders.
Always follow the guidance of local officials. It is their job to protect you and it is your responsibility to listen to their warnings and follow their orders.
Plan your evacuation routes. Be sure to plan multiple routes to several safe shelters so that you are ready for potential road closings.
Do not leave your pet(s) behind in the unit.

In Case of Severe Storms

If a severe storm is forecast for your area, move to a sturdy building or shelter until it passes.

In Case of a Tornado

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, evacuate the unit immediately.
Take shelter on the lowest floor of a nearby sturdy building or storm shelter, away from windows.
Do not take shelter in a vehicle.

In Case of a Flood

If the potential for flooding exists in your area, monitor the status via the weather radio or local media.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If a flash flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately and move to higher ground.
If you have time, place important items on the highest shelves. Disconnect electrical devices, but not if wet or while standing in water.
When evacuating, do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause you to fall and can flood most compact or midsized cars. A foot of water will cause most vehicles to float. Two feet of water can even sweep away SUVs and trucks.