storing hobby stuff in self storage

The thick of hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th each year—if you live in the area that usually experiences the winds and flooding that go along with the high winds, what can you do to prepare each year? Consider taking these steps.

1. Get a family emergency kit together.

You may have several days worth of warning that a bad hurricane is coming, or you may only get hours to prepare. To be safe, put together an emergency supply kit and store it when you can grab it easily if you have to head to dryer grounds. FEMA has a ready-made checklist of supplies that you can use.

2. Get documents together.

Have critical family documents together in a binder and ready to go:

• birth certificates
• social security cards
• insurance policies and your agent's business card
• wills and powers of attorney
• shot records for children
• a household inventory 
• appraisals for any collections or high-ticket items, like jewelry

Consider uploading photos of your home and personal items to an online data storage site. That can help you down the line if you need to provide more information for an insurance claim. Take photos of appliances, electronics, artwork, yard machinery, furniture and anything else that you might have to leave behind.

3.) Take care of finances.

Consider moving funds into a bank that has branches either nationally or online. If you leave your money exclusively in a local bank, you run the risk of being unable to access your funds if you have to flee the area suddenly. Make sure that your paychecks are set up so that they are directly deposited into your accounts. 

4.) Protect your possessions.

Consider packing up anything that you don't have an immediate use for and putting it into storage for the season. Choose a climate-controlled storage facility out of the usual danger zone for floods. You may want to store small items, like family photos and valuable collector's items, just for the season, although long-term storage may be easier if you don't get into the items often. Talk to a company like Redondo Van & Storage for more help.

If you get a warning that a hurricane is on its way, move what possessions you can above your home's projected flood levels. Move outdoor furniture indoors and anchor anything that can't be moved to the ground as securely as possible.

5.) Designate an out-of-town contact.

If possible, have an out-of-town relative serve as the family's emergency contact and gathering point. If family members are separated, they all should know to head to the same place. Make sure that every family member has your emergency contact's information committed to memory.

Living through the stress of hurricane season every year is easier if you have a plan in place and take steps to secure your family and possessions against danger.