When Disaster Strikes, Be Prepared with a Self Storage Unit
Surviving a disaster is never easy, whether it’s a disaster unleashed by Mother Nature, such as a tornado, microburst, or flood, or an emergency situation such as a house fire, burst pipes, or roof leak. They often strike without warning and leave destruction in their wake. While you may not be able to avoid disaster, you can minimize the stress and damage caused by being prepared.
When it comes to disaster planning, your first priority should be on protecting your family and loved ones. Disaster plans should account for different types of disasters as well as different scenarios. For example, what if a disaster strikes during the day when you’re at work and away from other family members? What if your house is inaccessible or uninhabitable? Your disaster plan should include a plan for where you would go and how you would contact each other.
Your disaster plan should also include a disaster emergency kit to ensure your basic needs can be met during the immediate aftermath. Your kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing, pillows and blankets, flashlights, batteries, utensils, a can opener, candles, toiletries, and a first-aid kit. Experts recommend that you have enough supplies for each family member for three days. And don’t forget to include pet food for the four-legged members of the family.
But what happens if you’re away from home when disaster strikes or you have to vacate your home in a hurry and don’t have time to grab your disaster kit? Having an emergency kit in a separate location is a good idea. A self storage unit is the perfect place to keep a second emergency kit, giving you easy access at any time of day or night. In addition to your emergency kit, you should also keep copies of important documents, such as insurance documents and important phone numbers, in your storage unit, along with spare home and car keys.
Next, you should think about the best way to protect your valuable possessions from disaster. Home emergencies, such as a flooded basement, leaking roof, or house fire can cause significant damage or even destroy your valuables. Storing these items in a self storage unit will get them out of the disaster site quickly and offer you unlimited access to the items. After an emergency situation has occurred, you may need to remove valuable items from your home while you make repairs or rebuild. Storing items in a self storage unit during this transition will keep them safe while giving you convenient access to them if needed. With flexible month-to-month leasing, you can rent a self storage unit from AAA Self Storage of Lansing for as long as needed.
Whether you need a small storage unit for documents and family photos or a large unit for furniture and appliances, you’ll find it at AAA Self Storage of Lansing. We offer several sizes of storage units, including climate control units. In addition, our facility is protected with 24-hour video surveillance cameras, a passcode protected entry gate, and a well-lit property to ensure your personal safety.
A disaster plan, much like insurance, is something everyone should have but hope to never need. But if the worst happens, being well prepared will help make the experience and recovery easier.