4 Tips For Protecting And Preparing Your Storage Unit From Damages Resulted From Flooding

Flooding is considered to be the top natural disaster in the U.S. to the extent where insurance claims average $4 billion every year. Not only is your home vulnerable to damages caused by flooding, but also so are any personal items that you may have stored at self-storage facilities.

Here are 4 ways that you can protect your assets and mitigate the extent of the damages that can be expected:

Raise All of Your Items on Wooden or Plastic Pallets

To combat minor flooding, raise all of your items by placing them on wooden or plastic pallets, so everything is kept off of the ground. By raising everything on wooden or plastic pallets, you can also prevent mildew formation, water damage and pests from getting into packed boxes.

Try to find wooden pallets that have been chemically treated to be water resistant. Make sure that the pallets are secure and structurally strong to tolerate the weight of the items placed on top.

Pack Everything in Airtight Containers

In the event that the self-storage facilities do become flooded, make sure that the water cannot reach your items by packing everything into airtight containers. The airtight containers can also protect your stuff from humid climates. Consider using containers that are well insulated to prevent temporal fluctuations between the inside and outside of the containers from causing mildew formation.

Choose Self Storage Facilities Located on Higher Grounds

Self-storage facilities that are located on higher grounds tend to be less likely to be affected by flooding. This is particularly important for those residing in coastal cities, as rising sea levels have resulted in flooding becoming routine. Keep up-to-date with the flood zones in your area to make sure that the self-storage facilities that you choose are always located in areas with a lower risk for flooding.

Find Facilities with Flood Insurance Coverage or Purchase Your Own

Some self-storage facilities have purchased insurance to cover the damages that anything in their facilities may incur should a natural disaster occur. These added benefits are generally mentioned in the rental conditions and contract. Familiarize yourself with the amount and type of coverage that is offered by the facility

If the self-storage facility does not offer any flood insurance coverage or adequate coverage for the value of the items that you are storing, then consider purchasing your own. Speak with an insurance broker for more information regarding the type of insurance policy that will offer you the level of protection that you need.

Conclusion

With flooding becoming one of the most costly natural disasters that Americans deal with, it is important to make sure that all of your personal items stored in self-storage facilities are well protected. Make sure that you implement sufficient protective mechanisms to mitigate any damages that may be caused by flooding and to protect yourself by purchasing flood insurance.

For more information, contact a company like Statewide Self Storage.

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