How to Prepare Your Storage Unit for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is a time when many in coastal areas or regions prone to severe weather turn their attention to preparedness. While much focus is given to emergency kits, home safety, and evacuation plans, another often-overlooked aspect of hurricane preparedness is ensuring that your storage unit is secure. Whether you're storing personal belongings, business inventory, or seasonal items, taking the right precautions with your 10x10 storage unit can safeguard your possessions and make cleanup easier if a storm hits.

In this post, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to prepare your storage unit for hurricane season, helping you avoid damage and loss while keeping your items safe through the storm.

1. Choose a Secure Storage Facility

Before focusing on the contents of your 10x10 storage unit, it’s essential to ensure the facility itself is up to the task of withstanding severe weather. When choosing a storage facility, look for a location that is well-prepared for extreme conditions:

• Elevated units: Many storage facilities in hurricane-prone areas have units that are elevated above potential flood levels. This is an important feature that helps prevent water damage during heavy rains or flooding.
  
  

• Hurricane-resistant construction: Some modern facilities are built with reinforced structures designed to withstand high winds and debris impact. If you live in a region that frequently faces hurricanes, check with your facility to see what kind of construction standards they meet.
  
  

• Climate-controlled units: For particularly valuable or temperature-sensitive items, a climate-controlled unit can offer additional protection. These units can help regulate temperature and humidity, which can be critical during and after a storm when the air can become humid or extremely hot.
  
  

2. Elevate and Protect Your Items

One of the most crucial aspects of preparing for hurricane season is protecting your items from water damage. Flooding, leaking roofs, and even high humidity levels can cause significant harm to belongings stored in a 10x10 storage unit. Here are several tips to prevent water damage:

• Use pallets or plastic storage bins: Elevating your items above ground level is a simple yet effective way to protect them from water damage. Use wooden pallets, plastic risers, or sturdy shelving to keep your belongings off the floor. If your unit is at risk of flooding, raising everything by a few inches or more can help prevent disaster.
  
  

• Waterproof containers: For added security, consider storing your belongings in waterproof plastic bins. These containers are not only resistant to moisture, but they also offer superior organization. For items like clothing, electronics, or paperwork, using sealed plastic bins or vacuum-sealed bags can help prevent water from seeping in.
  
  

• Cover sensitive items: If you have delicate or valuable items, such as artwork or antiques, cover them with waterproof tarps or plastic sheeting. While this doesn’t offer complete protection, it can help shield items from splashes or leaks if water gets into your unit.
  
  

3. Secure Your Unit’s Doors and Locks

Hurricane-force winds can wreak havoc on unsecured doors and locks. If your 10x10 storage unit is not properly sealed, high winds and flying debris could break open the door or cause damage to the contents. Here are a few steps to take to ensure your storage unit is locked down tight:

• Strong locks: Make sure you have a sturdy lock on your storage unit. Disc locks or heavy-duty combination locks are designed to withstand cutting or tampering. Avoid using basic padlocks, which can easily be cut or broken during a storm.
  
  

• Check door seals: Inspect the seals around the door of your unit. Over time, these seals can degrade and may not close tightly. If you notice gaps or worn seals, inform the storage facility management so they can make repairs. Tight-fitting doors are crucial for keeping your belongings dry and protected.
  
  

• Use additional security measures: If you're storing particularly valuable items or if the facility is in a high-risk area, you might want to consider adding extra security, such as a surveillance system or even a security guard during the peak of hurricane season.
  
  

4. Create an Inventory List

In the event that you need to assess damage or file an insurance claim after a storm, having an up-to-date inventory list can be a lifesaver. Make a detailed inventory of everything in your 10x10 storage unit, noting the condition of the items and their approximate value.

• Take photos: In addition to listing the items, take clear, high-quality photos of everything stored in your unit. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to prove the value of your belongings to an insurance company or provide evidence of loss.
  
  

• Store the list elsewhere: Keep your inventory list in a safe place, such as a cloud storage service or a printed copy in your home. This ensures you have quick access to it in case you need to reference it after the storm.
  
  

5. Insure Your Belongings

When preparing for hurricane season, one of the smartest moves is to consider insurance for your storage unit. Some storage facilities offer insurance options for stored items, but it’s important to confirm the level of coverage and whether it includes damage caused by natural disasters like hurricanes.

• Insurance through the facility: Many storage facilities offer low-cost insurance policies that protect your belongings from events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Review the policy to ensure that hurricanes and floods are covered.
  
  

• Check your renter’s insurance: In some cases, your existing renter’s or homeowner’s insurance might cover items stored in a 10x10 storage unit. Reach out to your insurance company to confirm whether or not your policy includes off-premises coverage for natural disasters.
  
  

• Consider supplemental coverage: If your standard insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage for hurricane damage, you might want to purchase supplemental storage insurance specifically for hurricanes and flooding. This can help provide peace of mind that your belongings are financially protected.
  
  

6. Remove or Relocate High-Risk Items

If you have items that are particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage, consider removing them from your 10x10 storage unit altogether. For instance, if you are storing documents, electronics, or irreplaceable items, it may be worth bringing them home or moving them to a safer location for the duration of hurricane season.

Additionally, if your storage facility is located in a flood-prone area, relocating high-risk items to a facility with better flood protections or even to an off-site location might be a more proactive solution.

7. Stay Informed

Once your 10x10 storage unit is fully prepared, stay informed about any incoming storms. Having a reliable source of weather updates will help you take immediate action in case a hurricane is approaching. If you live in a high-risk area, keeping an eye on storm forecasts and evacuation orders can help you prepare more effectively and ensure that your unit is as secure as possible.

Conclusion

Preparing your storage unit for hurricane season is a crucial step in safeguarding your belongings. By taking proactive measures to protect your items from water damage, securing the unit itself, and keeping a detailed inventory, you can minimize the risks posed by severe weather. Whether you’re storing household goods or important business items in your 10x10 storage unit, these tips can help ensure that your belongings stay safe and secure throughout the stormy months ahead. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay safe.