The Atlantic Hurricane Season is forecasting another active year. If you want to make it through a natural disaster without suffering a major loss, be prepared. Most residents that live in hurricane-prone areas recognize that this is not just a coastal problem. They generally have a plan in place.
Understanding that life and property are at risk even hundreds of miles inland is the first step in getting you, your family, and your belongings ready for a storm. The hazards, nevertheless, differ for all locations. Storm surge, extreme wind, power outages, inland flooding, and tornadoes require common sense preparedness.
The last thing you want to worry about during a hurricane is the safety of your belongings. Placing your possessions in a self storage unit can provide you with an extra layer of protection during an active hurricane season.
Self Storage Hurricane Solutions
Choose the Correct Storage Facility and Unit
If possible, choose an indoor unit in a concrete facility to reduce the chances of wind and rain damage. If you don’t have the option of an indoor unit, be aware that there is a risk of damage, and take precautions. Most storage insurance will cover natural disasters. Remember to check with your insurance agent to determine your “off-premises” coverage, and find out whether your facility offers a tenant protection plan.
Store Items in Plastic Bins
Plastic containers will keep your items safe from moisture and the resulting mold and mildew. Try to purchase bins of identical size, and take the time to label your items for easy retrieval. Store important documents in watertight containers.
Use Pallet Boards and Tarps
Place pallets on the floor and cover them with plastic tarps before stacking your stored items. This will protect your bins and containers from sitting on a potentially wet floor. If you’re storing heavy items, check to be certain that the pallets can safely withstand the weight.
Organize Strategically
When you organize your unit, stack valuable or sentimental items on top of items that are less expensive or meaningful to you. This will lessen the risk of damage from moisture to your more important items.
Store Potentially Dangerous Items
Be cautious with items that could turn into projectiles during a storm. For your safety and that of your neighbors, store the following items during hurricane season:
- Patio and lawn furniture
- Gardening and power tools
- Lawn and garden decorations
There may be certain items that you use regularly and don’t want to store during the summer. If possible, store those things in your garage (your barbecue grill, for example).
Keep Vehicles Safe
Instead of leaving your vehicle outside or in your garage during a hurricane, consider a storage unit. Many facilities have spacious vehicle storage for your car, truck, boat, or RV. This will protect your vehicle from being damaged by anything that becomes a projectile.
Visit Your Storage Unit Pre- and Post-Storm
If possible, visit your storage unit prior to the storm to pick up anything that you may need. Find time to visit post-hurricane to ensure that everything is safe and hasn’t suffered moisture damage. If you do find moisture damage, you can do a bit of clean-up to deter mold and mildew.
Following are a few additional tips to help prepare you and your family for a hurricane:
- Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan.
- Learn your evacuation routes and identify where you will stay.
- Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no-sign up.
- Declutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture (store it with us), consider hurricane shutters.
- Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
- Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go-bag or car trunk.
Takeaway
During hurricane season, it’s worth the time to make some extra preparations to ensure that you and your family stay safe and protected. Self storage is a workable solution to help you make it through the hurricane season without a significant loss.
