One step in the housing process includes the installation of a safety feature—every manufactured housing unit (MHU) provided by FEMA is equipped with a residential fire sprinkler system (fire sprinklers are not provided in recreational vehicles).
Research has shown that fire sprinkler systems combined with smoke alarms can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 82%. Fire sprinkler systems save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property.
- All FEMA MHUs are equipped with smoke alarms in the living area and in each bedroom.
- Sprinklers are in located in each room.
- Fire sprinkler systems are designed to control the spread of a fire long enough for occupants to evacuate.
- The entire system has been designed and tested to operate at temperatures as low as 35 degrees below zero.
- The fire sprinkler system is not connected to the domestic water system that supplies the sinks and baths in the home. It has a separate water tank and pump located in a small structure outside the unit called the Tank and Pump System (TPS) (pictured).
- FEMA contractors perform monthly maintenance.
- Fire sprinklers and smoke alarms are not a substitute for a household’s emergency plan. All households should make a fire-escape plan and make sure everyone knows what it is.
For the latest information on Hurricane Laura, visit Louisiana Hurricane Laura (DR-4559-LA). For the latest information on Hurricane Delta, visit Louisiana Hurricane Delta (DR-4570-LA). Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.