Another factor for the severity of fires in manufactured homes is that there is a significantly higher percentage of manufactured homes in rural areas than in urban areas, while the percentage of site-built homes is much higher in urban areas. Studies indicate that almost all fires in manufactured homes are related to human carelessness, disproving the assumption that the structure is at fault. The second leading cause of structural fires in manufactured homes involve mechanical failures. These mechanical failures occur in site-built homes as well. The simple reality is that the manufactured housing industry has been successful in its efforts to produce a safe and fire-resistant home.
Manufactured homes are particularly vulnerable to the destructive force of tornados.
Manufactured home communities seem to attract tornados. There is no meterological or scientific basis to thinking that manufactured home communities attract tornados. Above this range, a manufactured home will experience some form of damage. A direct hit from a tornado will bring about severe damage or destruction of any home in its path. If a manufactured home has a below-ground basement, the home's residents should seek shelter there.