Comparing Mobile Disaster Trailers vs Permanent Shelters: Which Works Best?
A mobile disaster trailer offers rapid deployment, allowing you to set up shelter within a few hours or days. The trailers provide temporary accommodation, giving you enough time to repair, restore, or rebuild any damaged buildings. Permanent shelters are more suited to long-term disaster preparedness and provide customized residency during emergencies. Here are more comparisons between mobile trailers and permanent shelters:
Quick Deployment
If you’re looking for rapid shelter deployment, choose a mobile disaster trailer. Building a permanent shelter requires time and resources that may not be readily available. During a disaster, you want quick solutions, like a place to stay and protect your belongings. Waiting for weeks to obtain permits, dig foundations, and build permanent shelters isn’t practical during emergencies. Trailers can often be deployed on the same day, giving you access to a comfortable, functional living space. They’re ideal for temporary homes, offices, classrooms, and storage units.
Installation Design
Mobile trailers have fewer deployment requirements than permanent shelters. Once the surface is leveled and measured, some builders assemble and install components within hours. You can have a functional living space within the same day of the disaster. Building permanent shelters may involve performing a thorough site evaluation and preparation. If the shelters involve brick and concrete floors and walls, they need even more time to dig foundations and cure the concrete pours. Deploying a mobile trailer will require fewer resources and less labor.
Mobile trailers have flexible designs that can be repurposed to create custom units for different applications. The designs are customizable, whether you want somewhere to stay, a storage room, or a temporary office. They’re often used to create medical centers, classrooms, and other units required during emergencies. Mobile trailers are also movable and adaptable to the space. Permanent shelters are less flexible and can’t be moved after construction. Once the building is up, there’s little you can do to repurpose it. Every room and fixture must be planned before construction begins. Permanent shelters are also less adaptable and may not fit in irregular lots and slopes.
Shelter Lifespan
Emergency trailers last several years with proper maintenance and can be repurposed several times during their lifespan. These units are designed for temporary use but last for years before they’re deemed unusable. The parts are recyclable, so very little goes to waste when the trailers reach the end of their lifecycle.
Permanent shelters last several decades or even an entire lifetime. They’re geared toward community development rather than emergency response. High-risk areas may have permanent shelters to provide utilities during annual cycles of flooding or hurricanes. Because they’re built for long-term use, permanent shelters are more resilient against harsh weather conditions. This requirement calls for comprehensive planning and maintenance to keep the shelters safe and usable over the years.
Shelter Comfort
Disaster response trailers are designed to offer basic amenities like AC, lighting, bathrooms, and kitchens. Trailer providers allow you to customize the unit to your needs. The interior is insulated and covered to protect you from harsh weather. AC units keep the space comfortable, and ramps offer convenient access. Permanent shelters offer more space and are designed for long-term stays, but they require everything to be planned before breaking ground. This is less useful in an emergency when people need shelter quickly. Permanent buildings are more resilient against harsh weather, but not significantly superior to mobile trailers. Both units are designed to provide comfortable living for several years. Choose reliable companies with the experience to build quality, comfortable shelters.
Application Suitability
Deciding which shelter works better between mobile trailers and permanent constructions depends on your goal. If you need a basic shelter with custom features for rapid deployment, choose an emergency response trailer. Mobile trailers are easier to install and have a much shorter deployment timeframe. A mobile trailer can also be used as a permanent shelter is being constructed. An efficient approach is to have both, especially in high-risk areas. Permanent shelters can’t be moved, which limits their use. Mobile trailers are portable and can be transported to the affected area to provide emergency shelters.
Find a Disaster Trailer Today
Mobile trailers offer convenience and fast response during emergencies. You can work with an experienced modular building company to erect spacious, comfortable living spaces, storage units, or temporary classrooms. Contact a disaster trailer company today to find out more about existing options and features.
