Making Weather Radios Mandatory

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By Debbie Williams Reporter

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Making Weather Radios Mandatory

Published: Wed, October 31, 2007 - 4:25 pm
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 5:32 pm

Debbie Williams

Mobile homes always seem to be in the path of a storm and no wonder, 20 million Americans live in manufactured homes. A bill passed by the U.S. House would require all new manufactured homes to have a N.O.A.A. weather radio. It's an idea that is getting mixed reviews.
Tornadoes are quick, destructive and can strike with little warning.
A bill before the U.S. Senate would make it mandatory that all new manufactured homes come equipped with a N.O.A.A. weather radio.
"I think it's a good thing." Mickey Gaines lives in a mobile home. "These home here some are better than regular homes. They got 25 straps on em and when Ivan hit the only thing damaged here were the carports." He has a weather radio but his neighbor Terrell Deaton, doesn't. "If people will use it, it's a great idea and get out of here and leave the safety of their homes before the storm comes in."
Everyone agrees the safer the better but some, like mobile home salesman Jeff Stone, take exception that the requirement is only for manufactured homes.
"Anytime you're adding a safety feature to a home it's a benefit. It's a little disappointing the manufactured homes are kind of distinguished. I think it should be all homes not just manufactured homes."
Whether a weather radio will be the next standard feature on new mobile homes will be up to the Senate, but Stone wishes lawmakers would take it one step farther. "It's a good thing to have happen just like to see it implemented in all products not just one."
Congressman Spencer Bachus sponsored the bill in the House. He says National Weather Service figures show Alabama averages nearly two dozen tornadoes a year. He says the fatality rate for mobile homes is 10 times that of permanent structures.

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