Current Emergency Housing Practices

The Federal Government's current temporary housing solution is the FEMA Travel Trailer. These trailers are designed for recreational or occasional use, have environmental issues and lack any degree of energy-efficiency or safety. The primary mechanism of securing these units to the ground are thin metal straps at the ends of the unit with an embedded single helical anchor that gives the trailer a maximum wind rating of 45mph. The internal electrical and plumbing systems are inadequate other than for typical weekend use while the majority of these units are aesthetically unacceptable to most communities. The travel trailer was never intended for long term habitation.

Lessons Learned and Applied

Storm Houses® are the Ready for Occupancy (RFO) temporary housing solution for both short and mid-term housing requirements and serves as a dramatically improved alternative to travel trailers used by governments for post-natural disaster situations. These units are manufactured in significant quantities under either State or Federal Government lease contracts and are designed for rapid deployment to storm-affected areas. Our ruggedized park models and HUD-Code manufactured homes are built to Wind Zone III standards and are the most wind resistant temporary housing units available. Storm House® also offers a fully UFAS-compliant model, can withstand 150mph winds and comes installed with the advanced Telepier® temporary foundation system; a patented ground anchoring system featuring significant gravitational, lateral and uplift resistance. This foundation system is seismic rated and maintains its structural functionality during storm surges, allowing it be securely placed in both earthquake zones and flood plains.

The compactness of these units allows these 2 or 3 bedroom homes to be placed on individual sites as well as in group settings. Storm Houses® are transported on a steel chassis and are quickly installed with optional wheelchair accessible aluminum ramps and are connected to municipal utilities including water, septic and electrical services. In most municipalities, existing utility infrastructure is available and will expedite the installation of quick temporary housing. Created with enhanced livability as its primary focus, Storm Houses® raise the standard of living for citizens affected by natural disasters.

Storm House provides improved temporary housing units and installation services on a leasehold basis for typical 18-month lifecycles. Most trailers are scrapped after a single use or are auctioned off by the government at 10-30 cents on the dollar. Storm Houses® are designed for a minimum 15-year life expectancy and can be provided to the government on a multiple 18-month lease terms, significantly reducing the overall costs for government emergency housing agencies.