Modular Mobile Pick Up the Call When It Comes to Disaster Relief

Natural disasters are unpredictable. Take 2022’s, Hurricane Ian. Weather experts predicted it to hit the Tampa Bay area. But it changed course last minute and the storm devasted Fort Myers. In fact, Hurricane Ian became the third costliest hurricane on record.

Disaster relief depends on disaster preparedness. However, sometimes preparedness is knowing what you need since there is only so much you can do when it comes down to say a hurricane hitting land. The first step is knowing that you will need new spaces to replace the damage. According to data gathered by the state of Florida, the storm damaged or destroyed around 97% of structures in Fort Myers. The beach town turned to modular construction for relief. 

Recovery solutions, such as modular buildings, are vital parts of any preparedness program. Here are some reasons to include modular building solutions when developing a disaster relief plan.

Works for Any Industry

One of the biggest benefits of modular buildings is that they serve all industries during time of crisis. 

Though they are primarily used in healthcare, education, and construction. Modular buildings are flexible and can be set up as mobile offices, mobile clinics, modular restrooms and more.

They are easily configured to meet the specific needs of each industry.

Avoiding Further Weather Problems

With natural disasters like hurricanes, weather can continue to be an issue. Especially if you don’t have a stable roof over your head or a cracked floor under your feet. Modular buildings provide safe and dry accommodations. This helps give immediate relief to communities.

It can take a longer time to rebuild after a natural disaster due to weather restrictions. However, the work involved with modular construction happens in a controlled factory environment. This means weather-related issues are a non-issue. Once the modular unit is built, it can be transported anywhere.

Flexibility

Natural disasters are unpredictable. Therefore, challenges can render relief plans and solutions. But the more flexibility you have, the easier the solution. Communities hit by hurricanes try to plan how many temporary units they may need. But in cases like Fort Myers, the storm may be more than they ever planned on seeing. With modular buildings, buildings can move to wherever they are needed.

Traditional brick-and-mortar construction can offer a different level of flexibility. A building built into the ground is stuck in its foundation.

Quick Installation

There is no time for standing around after a natural disaster. Things need to hit the ground and start moving. Modular buildings are assembled quickly and provide areas with fast disaster relief. In-stock, standard-plan buildings can even be delivered the following day. 

However, this doesn’t mean the units aren’t structurally sound. Modular buildings provide security and safety to those who need it most.

Cost v. Traditional Construction

Though the price of modular buildings isn’t always the cheapest, it is predictable. You get a quote and a set price for a modular building. Whereas in traditional construction prices can vary depending on the availability of materials. This predictability is crucial in times when communities are working off tight budgets.

What Other Disasters Can Benefit from Modular buildings?

Again, disasters are unpredictable and can strike when no one is expecting anything but sunshine and rainbows. It also comes in many different forms, but modular buildings are up to the challenge. They can help in a multitude of situations, including:

• Pandemics
• Wildfires
• Flooding
• Tornados
• Hurricanes

No matter the disaster, a modular mobile unit can get on site and help fix the situation. Also, various types of buildings and units can be modular buildings, everything from restrooms and showers to kitchens and medical centers.

Conclusion

Modular buildings are the perfect solution for disaster relief. Rebuilding a town after a natural disaster can take years, but modular buildings can ease the burden. Hurricane Ian devasted Fort Myers and federal officials compared it to the damage of 2018’s Hurricane Michael. That hurricane hit a smaller town that is only 40% rebuilt after four years. "It just takes time, especially when you want to do it right," Mexico Beach Administrator Douglas Baber said. Former Fort Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy added: "Fort Myers Beach can be rebuilt in five years. That's a good goal. (I) do try to be realistic when it comes to big things like that."

Proper preparedness and relief goals can make all the difference when disaster hits. Mobile Modular provides immediate modular solutions that can be life-saving solutions in times of crisis. Modular buildings offer benefits such as quick instillations, cost-effectiveness, and many configurations based on your community’s needs. Do you need temporary housing because a tornado ripped through? Mobile Modular has a roof over your head! Do you need mobile classrooms because a fire broke out? Mobile Modular keeps everyone in the classroom! We even have mobile kitchens, restrooms, and shower facilities as well as medical clinics and testing centers. Our experts have 40-plus years of knowledge and experience to support all your needs during difficult times.

All our units come in a range of sizes and configurations. You can customize units with HVAC units, ramps, lighting, high-security windows/doors, furniture, and more. State and local government agencies can utilize the Disaster Recovery Purchasing Program to acquire modular buildings on a GSA contract. This applies during disaster recovery even in the planning stage of preparedness. You can bring our services to your community while a disaster preparedness program is prepared. For more information, see our GSA page.