In a typical year 345 Americans die and 765 are injured from fires in manufactured homes, also called mobile homes. The fire death rate per 100,000 housing units is 32 percent to 50 percent higher for manufactured homes than for other dwellings, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

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Electrical system malfunctions and heating fires are the leading causes of manufactured home fires. In fact, electrical distribution fires happen almost twice as often in manufactured homes as in single-family houses or duplexes, the U.S. Fire Administration says.

The good news is standards for manufactured home constructions have been strengthened over the years, making newer homes safer. Among other things, today's newly constructed manufactured homes must include factory installed interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup, including alarms inside or right next to all sleeping area rooms, the top of stairs and on the basement ceiling near the stairs.

Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows manufactured homes built according to the latest federal standards have a much lower risk of death and injury if fire occurs, compared to older manufactured homes.

If you're looking for a manufactured home to buy or rent, the association says to choose a home built after 1976 that bears a U.S. Housing and Urban Development label certifying it complies with safety standards. Maintain the smoke alarms, and replace batteries at least once a year. Plan your escape route in case of fire. Newer manufactured homes must include windows that can be used as escape routes for the bedroom.

Most home insurance companies sell home insurance policies for factory-built manufactured homes that comply with HUD standards, and some companies specialize in selling coverage for mobile homes.

1. A creek flows through the back yard of a home I am purchasing. Do I have to buy flood insurance?
2. A neighbor's tree fell across my fence. Whose insurance pays?
3. Are new manufactured homes safer than older models?
4. Can I buy insurance to cover my new diamond engagement ring?
5. Can installing a home security system reduce a home insurance premium?
6. Could my home insurance company cancel my policy after I file just one claim?
7. Do I need to buy flood insurance even if I don't live near water?
8. Does home insurance cover all exterior elements?
9. Does home insurance cover jewelry and fine art?
10. How can insurance protect me if my luggage is lost, stolen or damaged?
11. I own a historic home. Do I need special insurance?
12. I'm building a house. How do I insure it while it's under construction?
13. The laptop my company provided to me was stolen recently. Whose insurance policy pays?
14. What are the insurance issues to consider if I decide to rent out my home?
15. What insurance do I need to cover my laptop computer?
16. Will home insurance cover a stolen bike?
17. Will homeowners insurance cover a gun collection?
18. Will insurance cover my valuable coin collection?
19. Will my home insurance cover falling trees and damaged shrubs?
20. Will my home insurance policy cover an in-law apartment in my house?
21. Will my home insurance policy cover hurricane damage?
22. Do I need flood insurance if I live in a condo?
23. Do I need title insurance if I'm buying a condominium?
24. If damages in my condo spread to a neighbor's unit, will my home insurance pay for repairs?
25. What type of home insurance should I purchase for my condo?
26. Will a roommate's renters insurance policy cover my possessions, too?