In Seattle, there are a myriad of potential disasters that could leave you homeless. Travel trailers and mobile homes are just a couple of the possible solutions for disaster victims in Seattle.This article contains valuable info on how to get help.
In October 2007, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) prohibited the use of travel trailers as an option for temporary housing due to formaldehyde-related concerns in the units issued after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In February 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the results of formaldehyde level tests for the travel trailers and mobile homes used in the Gulf Coast Region. Following the CDC's findings, FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Health Affairs developed procedures to ensure the reliable testing of temporary housing units. The testing protocols for formaldehyde evaluate results in comparison to levels that are present in most homes.
When temporary housing options are needed for disaster victims, FEMA may authorize the use of travel trailers. However, travel trailers can only be used when the disaster victim is expected to have a permanent housing solution within six months; and only if those units meet required air quality levels. FEMA will provide each unit's formaldehyde test result to the applicable state(s), as well as informational materials for states and disaster victims. The state then determines which housing units will be acceptable for disaster victims.
In addition, FEMA continues to provide manufactured housing for eligible disaster victims. Unlike travel trailers, manufactured housing is regulated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is designed for long-term occupancy. FEMA has also expanded its effort to identify and evaluate alternatives to FEMA trailers and mobile homes.
In order to receive temporary housing, you must meet the qualifications for FEMA assistance. If you meet the requirements, then you must register for assistance. You cannot register for temporary housing directly. Applications that show a need for temporary housing will be identified. FEMA will contact the applicant and get the additional information to determine if manufactured housing is a viable housing option. To express interest in temporary housing, you may call FEMA and ask the agent to check rental resources in your desired location. If there are no rental resources in your desired location, your agent will forward your request to the appropriate team and you will be contacted.
For more information, you can view the following:
Finally, information on locating available rental properties after a natural disaster and using HUD's National Housing Locator System is also available.