FEMA Trailer Removal | Video

Julie Leonardi | 2/11/2013

For those fortunate enough to be back in their homes, that means it’s time to get rid of the FEMA trailers that have been sitting in many front yards for nearly two years.

Brian Hvinden, FEMA Spokesperson, explained the process. "Once one of our residents lets us know they no longer need the unit, we go through what’s called a move out inspection and once that’s completed, we have a contractor that will come in and remove the unit from their property, and then they’ll bring it here to the staging area."

The staging area is at the state fairgrounds and now holds 325 used trailers. These have been brought in from private sites, as well as the Virgil Workman Village in Minot. The trailers will then be auctioned off through a government website.

There are 462 trailers still in use in the Minot area and the rest are brought to the staging area. Some of the trailers will also be donated to reservations. "We’ve had units provided to tribal nations all across the northern part of the United States. There’s been more than 500 units that have gone to different reservations."

FEMA doesn’t mind the clutter of empty trailers, because that means more people back in their homes. "We’re happy to see the trailers here because that means more people are moving out and getting back in their homes."

If you’re interested in buying a trailer, the auction website is www.GSAauctions.gov.

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