Hurricane season brings unpredictable weather that can leave communities in states impacted by hurricanes, like Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, scrambling to prepare. Boarding up your windows and stocking up on essentials are common hurricane preparedness steps, but one resource that’s often overlooked is self storage.
With the right storage unit, you can better prepare your home or business for the next hurricane or tropical storm. Read on to learn how self storage can become a key part of your emergency plan.
Why Consider Self Storage During Hurricane Season?
Self storage provides an extra layer of reassurance when the next hurricane looms for several reasons, such as:
- Freeing up space for safety. You can store patio furniture, lawn decorations, and other outdoor items during hurricane season to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles in high winds.
- Dedicated space for your vehicle. If you don’t have a garage, a drive-up storage unit, covered parking space, or enclosed vehicle storage unit provides the shelter your vehicle needs.
- Off-site peace of mind. If your home takes damage from a hurricane, you can rest easy by storing your belongings at a storage facility while you handle repairs.
- Additional space for preparation. Give yourself the room you need to create a hurricane preparedness kit.
How To Create a Hurricane Preparedness Kit With Your Storage Unit
Creating a hurricane preparedness kit should mean navigating around cases of bottled water and emergency supplies in your home until hurricane season ends. Keep your emergency kit ready and out of the way with your self storage unit. When the next hurricane or tropical storm is brewing, you can easily stop by your storage space to pick up the supplies you need, then return them after the threat passes.
If you’re unsure what to include in your hurricane preparedness kit, we recommend stocking your storage unit with a few essentials, such as:
- Bottled water—at least one gallon per person, per day, for three days
- Canned or unopened shelf-stable food
- Unopened pet food bags
- Seales soap and toiletries
- Medications
- Extra clothes and blankets
- Toilet paper
- First-aid supplies
- Copies of your emergency contacts and insurance policies
- Flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers
You should also keep a running inventory list of the emergency supplies you’ve purchased, including the boxes or containers they’re located in and the current quantity.
Choosing the Right Storage Unit Before a Storm
When you’re choosing a storage unit as part of your hurricane preparedness plan, you need to take several factors into account, such as:
- Location. Choose a facility that’s outside of known flood zones in your area.
- Size. A 5×10 storage unit is a good fit for emergency supplies like first-aid kits, cases of bottled water, and extra clothing. If you plan to store outdoor furniture and other belongings, however, consider a larger 10×10 space, which is similar to a one-car garage.
- Construction. Look for storage facilities with sturdy buildings, gated access, and security measures like video recording cameras for additional reassurance.
- Climate control. Unlike a garage or attic, a climate-controlled storage unit provides a cool, stable environment for your emergency supplies or personal belongings.
What To Store in a Unit Before a Hurricane
You can only take so much with you in the event you have to evacuate. In addition to outdoor furniture that may start flying in high winds, consider moving belongings like electronics, backup copies—not originals—of insurance paperwork and records, and indoor furniture and mattresses into storage. This is especially helpful if your home is closer to the coast than your storage unit.
Packing Belongings for Storage
As you’re packing your belongings for storage during hurricane season, be strategic. Use waterproof bins instead of cardboard boxes, and elevate your belongings on shelving or pallets for an extra layer of reassurance. You should also:
- Use airtight containers for electronics, and wrap furniture in plastic sheeting
- Label your boxes for easier retrieval after the storm
- Seal copies of documents in bags
Checking Your Storage Unit After a Hurricane
Some storage facilities offer features like extended or 24-hour access with a unique gate code, eliminating the need for staff to be on-site. However, power outages may impact how and when you can access your storage space.
Before the hurricane hits, ask your storage facility’s team what you should expect when you want to check on your storage unit after a hurricane. You should also hold off on traveling until you receive the all-clear from local authorities, depending on the severity of the hurricane.
Stay Prepared for Hurricane Season With Compass
No one can control when the storm will arrive, but you can stay ready with a hurricane preparedness plan supported by self storage. At Compass Self Storage, we’re here to help you create the space you need to stow away belongings and organize emergency supplies.
With features like fully fenced facilities, indoor and climate-controlled storage units, and covered or enclosed vehicle storage spaces, we aim to provide as much peace of mind as possible before, during, and after hurricane season. Explore our unit size guide, or find your nearest Compass Self Storage facility today.
