5 Steps To Integrate A Storage Unit Into Your Emergency Preparedness Plan
Posted on: 11 October 2022
Is your self-storage unit part of your disaster preparedness plan? Whether you live in a region regularly threatened by hurricanes or earthquakes or you see an increase in previously-rare extreme weather, preparation is key to protecting your property and your family. But how can you integrate your storage space into your plans? Here are a few ways.
1. Include Emergency Supplies
Every American is encouraged to have a set of emergency supplies on hand. But rather than keep all these in one place, you benefit from having emergency supplies in separate locations to protect against different types of emergencies.
Keep supplies in your home, your vehicle, and a separate location. Storage units are an excellent backup plan in case your home isn't accessible.
2. Choose the Right Location
Where you rent a storage unit is important for emergency purposes.
Some people may opt for a very close and convenient storage area that they can access at a moment's notice. However, if your common emergencies are weather-related — such as flooding or hurricanes — you may want to rent a unit farther from your home so you can use it as a preparedness backup.
3. Keep It Accessible
Make sure you can get to your storage unit facility and to the individual unit with the least amount of obstacles. You might, for instance, opt for lower or ground-based units rather than upper floors.
In addition, keep the interior of the storage space organized and clutter-free. Avoid stacking things precariously, overfilling the unit so you can't navigate it, or leaving obstacles on the ground.
4. Make an Inventory
Do you know what's in the unit? Make a written inventory, keep it on your phone or in shared cloud-based storage, and update it when you add to or take from the unit.
A good inventory lets you know what's inside, including emergency supplies and other useful items. But you can also consult it to determine what — if anything — you should retrieve before or after an emergency situation.
5. Practice Your Emergency Plan
Making an emergency plan is only half of being prepared. The other half is to practice it with your family. A nearby storage unit could be a meeting place if you're separated. Go over supplies inside, ensuring that they work properly and that everyone knows how to use them. Be certain others can access the unit if they need to. And be sure valuables can be added to or taken from the unit during an emergency.
Where to Start
The best place to begin integrating a self-storage space into your emergency plan is to choose the right facility. Tour storage companies in your target area today to learn what they have to offer to make you and your family safer.
For more information about self-storage, contact a local company.
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