Section III. PUBLIC HEALTH ASPECTS OF MOBILE HOME PARKS
4-4.
INTRODUCTION
Few Army posts have mobile home parks. However, during an emergency or
during mobilization, posts may have to set up mobile home parks. There also may be
occasions when preventive medicine personnel are requested to inspect off post mobile
home parks. Therefore, inspectors need to know about the public health aspects of
mobile home parks.
4-5.
GROWTH OF THE MOBILE HOME INDUSTRY
a. The mobile home industry experienced its first major growth due to the
housing shortage of the mid-1940s. In 1947, 60,000 mobile homes were produced.
These units were small with an average size of 8 feet wide by 20 feet long. This is
comparable to the size of present day travel trailers.
b. The first 10-foot-wide units were produced in 1954. Since then, both length
and width have steadily increased. In 1973, 12-foot wides accounted for 59% of all
mobile homes produced. In mid-1973, 12-foot wides were down to 48%. Fourteen-foot-
wides had increased to 29% of all production while double wides and expandables
accounted for the remaining 23%. The production of double wides will most likely
increase as more favorable legislation is passed and as the cost of fixed homes
increases.
c. To protect health and to ensure quality construction, most manufacturers now
build their mobile homes in accordance with the requirements of the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard for Mobile Homes, A 119.1. This is the same as
the Standard 5018 of the National Fire Protection Association. These standards are
reviewed annually.
4-6.
AUTHORITIES RESPONSIBLE FOR SANITATION IN MOBILE HOME PARKS
a. The post commander is responsible for health and safety at the post,
including mobile home parks, when they are present.
b. The post surgeon assists the commander in carrying out mobile home
sanitation. He initiates the inspections to ensure that sanitary standards are
maintained.
c. The surgeon has special assistants (medical department staff) in
epidemiology, sanitation, malaria and vector control, nutrition, medical entomology,
health education, and nursing.
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