Risk Management Guidelines

Article

The following list contains recommendations from a number of agencies that are hired by insurance carriers to survey Mobile Home Parks.  By following their recommendations, hazards or potential hazards in a park can be reduced.

  • Distance between homes should be at least 15 feet.  Distance between frame structures in the park should be at least 40 feet.
  • Trash should always be placed in the dumpster and not left to accumulate on the ground.
  • Roofs, wiring and plumbing should be inspected annually and repaired as needed.  All aluminum wiring should be replaced with copper.
  • All buildings should post maximum occupancy and have emergency lighting at each exit.
  • Reflective tape/paint, should be used on areas such as steps, speed bumps, and post to prevent collisions and injuries.
  • All buildings that require more than two steps for entry should have handrails.
  • All buildings should have working smoke detectors.  A replacement program should be in place to test and replace when needed.
  • Ground fault interrupt outlets installed near sinks or tubs.
  • Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed in all rental units.
  • Fire extinguishers should be visible in all buildings and rental units.
  • All flammable materials should be properly stored.
  • Branches hanging over all buildings and homes should be removed.
  • A maintenance program should be in place to correct problems.  For example, if your road begins to break up, have it repaired before you have potholes.  Areas to observe include:
    • Walkways
    • Parking areas
    • Fences
    • Yards
    • Landscaping
    • Storage areas
    • Furniture
    • Fixtures
    • Interior and exterior lighting
    • Public restrooms
    • Laundry areas
  • All pools should be fenced.  Signs informing people that they are swimming at their own risk should be posted in large type and placed around the pool.  Water should also be tested daily. Owners should have detailed rules posted regarding use of the pool.  Area should also have:
    • Self closing, latching gate
    • Fences should be chain link and at least 6 feet in height
    • Depths marked in and around pool
    • No diving boards or slides
    • Pool chemicals stored properly
    • Proper live saving devices should be on hand
  • All facilities should be inspected regularly, i.e., fitness rooms, game rooms, maintenance shop, golf course
  • A first aid kit should be well stocked and easily available
  • Owners who have managers should make sure that managers have a detailed procedures manual, including the phone numbers for the local police, fire and animal control.
  • All weeds and brush should be cleared from around buildings.
  • Playgrounds should have the following:
    • Adequate protective surfaces, minimum of 12" of sand, wood chips, or mulch.  Two thirds of all playgroundinjuries are caused by falls. A primary way to lessen this hazard is to install proper fall cushioning material.
    • Play structures more than 30" high should have at least 9 feet separation between structures.
    • Elevated surfaces such as platforms should have adequate guardrails.
    • Playgrounds should be cleared of all trip and fall hazards i.e., concrete footings, tree stumps, rocks etc.
  • Water quality and pressure should be checked regularly
  • Precautions should be in place when large amounts of cash are on hand
  • Speed limit signs of 10 miles per hour should be posted and speed bumps should be located throughout the park.
  • LP fill station should be checked regularly for cracks or rust around tank(s)
  • Maintain a hardbound complaint log to document all resident concerns.
  • Management should enforce rules and regulations in the park
  • Limit the types of dogs and size that are allowed in the park.  Have a set of rules for dog owners.
  • Trampolines should never be allowed in parks
  • All overhead wires should be at least 24 feet from the ground.
  • Trampolines should never be allowed in a park
  • Access to and from the park should be free of all obstructions

A good risk management program does not have to be expensive or time consuming.  It does need to be reviewed, updated and shared with your staff on a regular basis.  A risk management guide is available through the Small Business Administration.  http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs/mp-28.doc  Another free source of information is the Hartford Small Business Loss ControlDepartment.  http://www.sb.thehartford.com/reduce_risk/loss_library/General_Safety/

Specializing in insurance for Mobile Home Park

Manning & Nozick Insurance Agency * 53 Perimeter Center E. Suite 120 * Atlanta, GA 30346 Phone 800-211-0468 ext 117 * fax 770-393-8302 * e-mail jayz@manning-nozick.com