4 Tips to Prepare Your Unit For a Storm
Natural disasters happen and we can only do so much to control the damage. However, there are some things we can do to protect our belongings before the storm starts. Below are 4 tips to prepare your storage unit before a storm.
Insurance. Insurance is one of those things that most of us don’t worry about. We usually think nothing bad will happen to us and we don’t need it. However, especially if you are storing your belongings in an area with frequent natural disasters, it is important to make sure your items are covered. Many facilities require insurance and offer contents insurance with your storage unit rental. If they don’t, your personal insurance company may be able to help you. Insurance is a great preventative tool that can save you the financial strife of purchasing all new items in case of a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster.
Store items on top of pallets. When you move into your storage unit try to store things on top of pallets with a tarp underneath. The tarp protects the floor from scratches and the pallets protect your items from water damage in case of a flood or hurricane. You can sometimes get pallets for free or low cost from local shipping companies or other businesses.
Check your unit before the storm starts. When you are aware a large storm like a hurricane is coming - and only if it is still safe to do so - go to your unit and get anything important or helpful out of it. For example, if you have stored camping gear or other helpful items, you should retrieve them well before the storm. When a large storm comes, it may stop the power and the gate may not be working. So make sure to get needed items early. You should also check that your things are as far off the floor as possible. Before you leave, use your smart phone to take a video of the items in your storage. This will help you later if you have to make an insurance claim.
Check your unit after the storm. As soon as SAFELY possible after the storm or disaster, go to your unit and check on your items. This can prevent unnecessary damage caused by water or other potentially damaging materials. Many insurance companies will not accept a claim if you did not do everything you could to minimize damage. For example, if there was a flood and you went to your storage unit 3 weeks later and found mold the claim may not be covered. However, if you go the first day it is safe to do so and take preventative measures you will be more likely to have your claim accepted.
While these suggestions may not fully protect your items from a natural disaster, they will certainly help. It’s always "better to be safe than sorry!"