According to Forbes, natural disasters are on the rise and costing billions of dollars for recovery. (1) In 2020, America experienced strange shortages in necessary items like toilet paper, food supplies, and even bottled water. These events have prompted an increase of interest in emergency preparedness.
Self-storage units are essential in emergency situations. You can utilize your unit to assist you and your family in unexpected situations, especially if you aren’t able to access your home.
Security and Location are Key to Selecting a Facility
When choosing a self-storage unit be sure to pay attention to the security features of the facility. This should include how the managers monitor the facility, if there are security cameras, individually alarmed units, etc. You will also want to select a location that is far enough from your home to not also be caught in the emergency or disaster, which may make both locations inaccessible.
What to Store
While you should keep some medical supplies and food stored at your home, it is also wise to have supplies stored in your unit. This might include a first aid kit, camping equipment, extra clothing, copies of important documents and family photographs, and other necessary items like toiletries. Be careful not to store food in your unit, as this will attract a variety of pests like rodents and spiders.
Preserving Essential Items
Storage facilities have the advantage of being built from sturdy materials, often required by the city they are in to be built to a higher standard to withstand things like earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. Regardless, renters should still take the time to organize and properly package their belongings. Documents benefit from climate-controlled units, especially when held in airtight containers. Shelving units can help to keep items off the ground and within reach that also keeps everything stored visible.
Supporting Business Continuity
Businesses can also benefit from storage during emergency situations by storing critical equipment, extra inventory, and hard copies of files. Business owners can resume operations more quickly.
If you are preparing for natural disasters and emergencies, consider storing with Towne Storage. Our facilities have 24-hour digital recording, access 365 days a year, individually alarmed units, and onsite managers who walk the property several times a day. With easy access for larger vehicles, we also offer drive up units, climate-control, and an extra layer of security by only using cylinder locks. Visit townestorage.com today to find a location near you!
- Gusner, Penny. Natural Disaster Facts And Statistics 2023 https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/natural-disaster-statistics/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20natural%20disasters,dollar%20climate%20disasters%20per%20year.