Some Portage Residents Frustrated At Missing Safety Measures After Tornado

On Tuesday night, three tornados touched down in Southwest Michigan causing a lot of chaos and damage, but thankfully claiming no lives. The biggest area affected by the storms was in Portage, near Centre Avenue, Oakland Drive, Schuring Road, and Westnedge Avenue.

Many local businesses, a new FedEx facility, and dozens upon dozens of homes have been damaged badly, but one area in particular was literally turned upside down. Homeowners in Pavilion Estates not only lost everything, one trailer was literally upended and left on its roof after the storm.

Thankfully, everyone walked away after the aftermath and they believe everyone it's because they knew the tornado was coming thanks to the sirens and they took precautions. But, some residents are still angry that they were left in a situation that could have been more deadly.

According to a report from Fox17, some residents are unhappy that when the storm was on its way toward them, they were left without anywhere safe to take shelter. But, legally- the park owner isn't required to provide one.
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The Mobile Home Commission Act of 1987 was originally passed to help protect those who live in mobile parks, by enforcing rules and regulations to keep them safe from mismanagement. However, one of the things that is missing from the law is exactly what residents are demanding: a place to shelter during severe weather.

While thankfully, everyone was okay in this case, traditionally mobile homes are some of the most unsafe places to be during severe weather. Residents of Pavillion Estates believe that this law could have protected them even more during Tuesday's weather.

When asked about it, both John Lindley, the President & CEO of the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association, and Govenor Gretchen Witmer agreed that the law change would be helpful, but neither said anything about making a move to make it happen. Lindley even went as far as saying that it would likely be too cost-prohibitive for park owners, and unlikely to happen.

So, it seems there is a demand for reform that isn't currently being met, and after the second instance of this happening in several years, how many times will it take to happen before we see any sort of change in the law?