Storage units near me can help you survive emergency situations
Storage units near me in Kannapolis NC can help you safeguard essentials ahead of disasters. Disasters can strike at anytime, anywhere, and with little or no warning. Whether it’s a fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, or something else, disasters can pose serious threats to your safety, property, and belongings. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and have a plan for how to protect yourself and your valuables in case of an emergency.
One of the key aspects of disaster preparedness is storage. Storage can help you in two ways: by storing items you can use in the event of a disaster, and by storing items you want to keep safe from damage or loss. In this article, we will explore how storage can help you achieve both goals and offer some tips on how to use storage effectively for disaster preparedness.
Storing Items for Disaster Use
When a disaster strikes, you may need to evacuate your home quickly or stay inside without access to basic services like water, electricity, or gas. In either case, you will need some essential items to survive and cope with the situation. These items include:
- Water: You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Water can be used for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
- Food: You should have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food that does not require refrigeration or cooking. Choose foods that are high in calories and protein, such as canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, nuts, granola bars, etc.
- First aid kit: You should have a basic first aid kit that contains bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, etc.
- Medications: You should have at least a week’s supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you or your family members need. Don’t forget to include any special items like inhalers, insulin, epinephrine pens, etc.
- Flashlight and batteries: You should have a flashlight and extra batteries to provide light and a signal for help in the dark.
- Radio: You should have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive news and information about the disaster and recovery efforts.
- Phone charger: You should have a portable phone charger or a solar-powered charger to keep your cell phone charged and communicate with others.
- Personal documents: You should have copies of important personal documents such as identification cards, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, bank statements, etc. You may need them to prove your identity or claim benefits after the disaster.
- Cash: You should have some cash in small bills and coins to pay for goods and services if ATMs or credit card machines are not working.
- Clothing and bedding: You should have a change of clothes and a warm blanket or sleeping bag for each person. Choose clothes that are appropriate for the season and the climate.
- Hygiene items: You should have some basic hygiene items such as soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products, etc.
- Pet supplies: If you have pets, you should have food, water, bowls, leash, collar, carriers, medications, etc. for them.
These items should be packed in a sturdy bag or container that is easy to carry and access. You should store them in a safe and convenient location where you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate. Some possible locations are:
- A closet near the main entrance of your home
- A garage or shed
- A car trunk
- A storage unit
If you decide to use a storage unit for your disaster supplies, you should consider the following tips:
- Choose a storage facility that is close to your home or workplace so you can reach it easily in an emergency.
- Choose a climate-controlled unit if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or humidity that could damage your items.
- Label your containers clearly with your name and contact information and what they contain.
- Keep an inventory list of what you have stored and update it regularly.
- Check your items periodically for expiration dates and replace them as needed.
Storing Items for Disaster Protection
Another way that storage can help you with disaster preparedness is by storing items that you want to protect from damage or loss in the event of a disaster. These items may include:
- Valuables: You may have some valuables that are irreplaceable or expensive such as jewelry, artwork, antiques, collectibles, etc. These items may be vulnerable to theft, fire, water, mold, or pests if left at home during a disaster.
- Sentimental items: You may have some sentimental items that are meaningful to you such as family photos, heirlooms, memorabilia, etc. These items may be damaged or destroyed by natural forces or human actions if left at home during a disaster.
- Seasonal items: You may have some seasonal items that you only use occasionally such as holiday decorations, sports equipment, camping gear, etc. These items may take up valuable space at home that could be used for other purposes during a disaster.
If you decide to use a storage unit for your valuable, sentimental, or seasonal items, you should consider the following tips:
- Choose a storage facility that is reputable and reliable so you can trust them with your belongings.
- Choose a climate-controlled unit if you have items that are sensitive to temperature or humidity changes such as electronics, wooden furniture, leather goods, etc.
- Pack your items carefully using appropriate materials such as bubble wrap, cardboard boxes, plastic bins, etc. Label them clearly with your name and contact information and what they contain.
- Keep an inventory list of what you have stored and update it regularly.
- Check your items periodically for any signs of damage or deterioration and report any issues to the facility staff.
Find the best storage units near me in Kannapolis NC
Storage can play an important role in disaster preparedness by helping you store items that you can use or protect in an emergency situation. By using storage effectively, you can increase your chances of surviving and recovering from a disaster with minimal losses. Mr. Storage is locally owned and managed with affordable pricing. We have storage facilities in Concord, Salisbury, Harrisburg, Kannapolis NC, and Midland. Contact us today to reserve your unit.