How your self-storage unit helps with emergency and natural disaster preparedness
Nobody can predict the likelihood and severity of a natural disaster until just before it happens. In the event of severe weather, the last thing on your mind should be protecting your belongings. And with a self-storage unit and the right protections in place, focusing on evacuating and getting to safety can be your number one priority.
How to use self-storage in the event of a natural disaster: 6 tips
1. Keep your items elevated
Keeping your items off the floor is one of the best ways to protect them from damage. By placing them on shelving units or at least wooden pallets, it prevents flood damage and makes organization easier at the same time.
2. Use translucent plastic tubs
When it comes time to choose what to store your items in, opt for durable, air-tight translucent plastic for your smaller items. These are great at protecting your belongings from moisture and pests, especially compared to cardboard or fabric. You can also see through them for convenient access when you need to locate specific items quickly.
3. Take extra precautions with fragile items
Before stowing your fragile items away, wrap them in a quality packing paper or bubble wrap for extra protection. Placing a divider or two within the tubs also prevents your items from shifting and potentially cracking or breaking. Ideally, the tubs with these items are also stacked closer to the top of the pile.
4. Secure copies of your important documents
For additional peace of mind, make copies of your important documents such as identification, legal documents, medical records, and emergency contact information. You can store these documents in a fireproof and waterproof container, and they should be placed in an easily accessible spot in your self-storage unit, in the event you need to retrieve them quickly.
5. Don’t overpack
If you have too much to store and have items stacked too high in your unit, it can increase the risk of damage to these items, particularly in the event of an earthquake. Put sentimental, emergency, and valuable items in your unit, but not everything you own.
6. Choose a storage facility that meets your needs
Lastly, when choosing a facility for the job, opt for one that offers a range of unit sizes, amenities, and accessibility options. Also, make sure it’s secure and has a great reputation in the community. If you’re in the Montreal area, for example, consider reaching out to one of our new facilities at Pandora Mini Storage. Here’s a sneak peek into what our facilities are like:
General emergency preparedness checklist
If you’re not sure what types of items might be handy in the event of an emergency, look no further. Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare for just about anything.
Hygiene items
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Trash bags
- Bleach
- Feminine hygiene products
- Detergent
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Toiletry items
- Extra clothing and bedding
- Over-the-counter medications
Tools
- Whistle
- Sewing kit
- Crank radio
- Batteries
- Matches
- Candles
- Flashlight
- Local maps
- Duct tape
- First aid kit
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Hard hat
- Gloves
- Basic tool kit
- Rain gear
At Pandora Mini, we’re here to help you keep your belongings safe
Are you ready to get started with your new self-storage rental? Contact the team at Pandora Mini today. We’re happy to help you keep your belongings safe, secure, and damage-free regardless of the weather.