What Self-storage Customers Need To Know About Hurricane Season

How To Protect Your Items During Hurricane Season

A major storm can damage a storage facility, exposing your valuable items to the elements. Without proper precautions, your belongings may be devastated by powerful winds and water damage. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can protect your stored possessions and get them through hurricane season. 

Use plastic bins and totes

Cardboard boxes are highly vulnerable to water damage brought on by hurricanes. To better protect your belongings, use waterproof plastic bins and totes. If you only have a few, prioritize storing your most valuable items to guard them from the elements.

Reuse plastic bags

Plastic bags are an easy, inexpensive, and sustainable way to protect smaller belongings from water damage. Wrap important, expensive, or sentimental items in these bags before placing them in a secure plastic bin. 

Cover larger items in a tarp

For items that aren’t easily stored in plastic bags, bins, or totes, use a large tarp to cover them and deter water damage. Place a pallet board underneath items to prevent standing water damage for additional protection. 

Does Self-Storage Insurance Cover Storm Damage?

Self-storage providers are typically not responsible for damage caused by hurricanes, making it essential for property owners to evaluate their coverage before a major storm hits. Coverage options vary between providers, so understanding what’s included in your policy is crucial.

While some homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies may extend to storage units, this isn’t always guaranteed. Even if your insurance does cover your storage unit, there are often exceptions for hurricane-related damage. Expanded self-storage insurance is a wise investment that provides added protection at a relatively low cost. 

Inspect Your Storage Unit Before and After a Hurricane

If there’s an extreme weather alert in your area, check in on your storage unit to ensure everything is securely weather-proofed. Complete the following preparation checklist:

• Store all items in waterproof plastic containers
• Elevate as many items as possible to prevent standing water damage
• Check for potential leak points in your storage unit
• Notify your storage provider about potentially vulnerable areas
• Ask your storage provider about their plans for hurricane damage prevention 

After the hurricane passes, revisit your storage unit. Take the following steps to assess the damage:

• Document any leaks, standing water, or physical damages
• Take extensive photos in and around your storage unit to prove the extent of your losses
• If necessary, promptly file a claim with your self-storage insurance company

Items To Store During Hurricane Season

Strong winds and flooding can damage or displace loose outdoor items. If you don’t have space to store these items safely in your home, renting a storage unit is a great way to keep them secure during hurricane season. Consider using a storage unit to protect the following items: 

• Outdoor furniture. Strong winds can easily blow chairs, tables, and cushions around. Store them in self-storage to keep them safe and protect your property. 
• Yard equipment. Grills, lawnmowers, and heavy tools can severely damage your and your neighbor’s property if improperly stored. Keep them in your unit to minimize damages. 
• Loose items. Any other loose items around your property, such as trash cans, sports equipment, construction materials, or decor, should be stored to avoid loss or damage. 

Protect Your Vehicle With Self-Storage

If left unprotected, your vehicle(s) could be severely damaged or lost in a hurricane. If you don’t have access to a covered garage, parking it in a rented car storage unit can provide the added protection it needs. The cost of storing your vehicle is likely minimal compared to the price you’ll pay if it’s damaged or destroyed.

Understanding Price-Gouging Law for Storage Units After Disasters

Some storage unit providers take advantage of increased demand after natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. Multiple states have enacted statutes that ban this practice to protect renters from price-gouging.

Louisiana price-gouging statute

Louisiana is most affected by severe hurricane damage and the panic-driven price-gouging accompanying these storms. To combat this, Louisiana officials passed a statute to prevent price-gouging during a state of emergency. Self-storage providers who engage in this practice could be penalized with a $500 fine, a six-month prison sentence, or both. The provisions of this statute are outlined in section RS 29:732. 

Texas price-gouging statute

Texas law prohibits price-gouging during “disasters” or a “designated disaster period.” Offenders can receive a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, with an additional $250,000 fine if an elderly person is victimized. Contact the Office of the Attorney General if you need to report a storage provider.

South Carolina price-gouging statute

South Carolina’s beaches and coastal cities are regularly ravaged by severe hurricanes. State officials enacted a statute prohibiting price-gouging during a “state of emergency or disaster.” The price-gouging statute (SC 39-5-145) outlines penalties for excessive pricing, including a potential $1,000 fine, a month-long stay in jail, or both. The statute specifically mentions self-storage units, ensuring current and potential tenants are protected after a hurricane. To learn more about this statute and how to report a self-storage unit, visit the South Carolina Attorney General’s price gouging page.

More Self-Storage Resources

• How To Get the Most Out of Self-Storage
• Things to Avoid With a Storage Unit
• How to Save Money on a Storage Unit
• Preparing Your Belongings for Long-Term Storage
• How to Pick the Right Size Storage Unit