Natural disasters happen and we can only do so much to
control the damage. However, we can do our best to protect our belongings
before the storm starts. Below are 4 tips on preparing your storage unit before
a storm.
1. Insurance. Insurance is one of
those things that most of us don’t worry about. We usually think that 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. Some facilities require
insurance, but if they don’t your personal insurance company can likely help
you. This 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.
2. Store items on
top of pallets. If it is possible, 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 usually get pallets for free or extremely
cost effectively from local shipping companies or other facilities. Remember to
always check with the owner or manager of the facility to make sure this is in
compliance with their rules!
3. Check your unit
before the storm starts. When you are aware that a storm is coming if it is
still safe to do so, you should go to your unit and get anything extremely important
out of it. For example, if you know you have stored birth certificates, or
social security cards you should retrieve them before the storm. You should
also check that the door is securely locked and things are as far off of the
floor as possible.
4. Check your unit
after the storm. You should go to your unit and check on your items as soon as
(safely) possible after the storm or disaster. This can prevent unnecessary
damage caused by water or other potentially damaging materials. Another reason
to check as soon as you can is because if it is necessary to file an insurance
claim you want to take prudent measures and get the claim filed as soon as
possible. 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”!