When you place items in a self storage unit, whether business purposes or for personal goods, the goal is to protect them until you need them again. However, that protection includes preparing for the possibility of an emergency that requires evacuation. What steps can you take when filling the unit to facilitate a quick exit if there is a fire, flood, or other disaster? Here are a few things to do.
Use Good Containers
While many people use simple cardboard boxes and bags for their stored stuff, these offer little protection if anything happens. A better choice is to use waterproof materials to combat flooding or even using fire-resistant containers. Some renters even load their items on a trailer and park the entire trailer inside, ready to be pulled out during evacuation.
Organize the Unit
If you need to remove everything from a storage unit in a hurry, you want it to be done safely and efficiently. So pack the unit with this in mind. Avoid simply throwing in miscellaneous items, stacking anything precariously, or stacking containers too high. Use a larger storage unit if necessary.
Have Backup Power
Evacuations aren't guaranteed to occur at convenient times. If your evacuation happens due to bad weather or in the middle of the night, you need electricity and light to work. Keep a backup light source, small generator, or portable charging devices near the unit's entrance. You may also want to include some emergency gear, like outerwear during cold or stormy seasons.
Talk to the Facility
Every self storage facility will have its own plans in case of emergency. Consult with them to learn what they will and won't do if there are various natural or manmade disasters. For instance, can they access your unit? What protective measures will they take? What emergency routes can you use? Coordinating with the facility helps you focus on the right steps for your own unit.
Separate Important Items
Assess what will be in the storage unit in terms of its financial or sentimental value, whether or not it can be replaced, or its fragility. Mark these as higher priority and place them where you can access them first during an emergency. If you can't get everything, know what will be the most important.
Where to Start
The best place to begin preparing for potential evacuations or emergencies is by meeting with the storage facility's staff. Ask questions and learn more about their own precautions and emergency plans. Tour reputable residential storage facilities in your area today to get started. To learn more, reach out to a local residential storage facility, such as Storco Self Storage.