The safety of our family and friends is everything we can worry about when there is a danger of a natural disaster. Regardless, as the owner of single-family rental homes, you need to consider the safety of your residents and assure that they are your top priority too. Helping your residents to prepare for a natural disaster is a necessary part of managing your Suffolk rental properties. Sharing a few simple preparedness tips can help ensure that rental residents are ready to weather the worst that mother nature may bring.
In a disaster, information is one of your most significant resources. The American Red Cross offers a free emergency app for both the iPhone and Android phones that will place critical information right at your fingertips. Amid a natural disaster, the app will allow you to monitor conditions in your area and gather essential information you may need in an emergency. The app also lets you notify others that you are safe and can even help you find help if needed. You should encourage your residents to get the app as part of their emergency preparedness plan.
Paying attention to local news broadcasts and taking evacuation advice seriously is another vital bit of staying safe in a natural disaster. Decisions about whether to stay or leave must often be made fast, so having a plan in place before you need one is indispensable. If an evacuation order includes one or more of your rental homes, tell your residents to seek shelter instantly or to decide to stay with friends, family, or a hotel outside of the emergency area. They should also be instructed to take important personal items with them, including valuables, jewelry, passports, and important documents, including their rental insurance policy information as they will need to find whether they have coverage for relocation.
In the event that evacuation isn’t possible or required, residents ought to be encouraged to gather disaster supplies and to keep a basic emergency kit on hand. Having at least three days of supplies on hand is ideal, including water, food, batteries, gasoline, pet food, and other necessities, such as diapers and medications.
Finally, the property itself should be prepared to weather the storm by gathering and storing outdoor furniture, bicycles, and other items securely. Windows and doors must be protected, and if needed, heavy shutters installed. In the event of a power outage, the food in the refrigerator and freezer will be one of the first casualties, so turn both to the coldest settings and then keep the doors closed as much as possible. Residents should be provided with clear instructions in each of these tasks, as well as assisted with preparations as needed.
Making sure residents are ready to take on a natural disaster is just one of the services rendered by the experts at Real Property Management Hampton Roads. In an emergency situation, we will assist with all disaster preparations, encourage your residents to have evacuation decisions early, and provide them with the information they need to stay safe. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or by phone at 757-395-4274 for more information.
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