The minute a natural disaster looms, the safety of our loved ones is always our first thought. However, as the owner of single-family rental homes, you ought to be considerate of the safety of your residents as well. Helping your residents to prepare for a natural disaster is an essential aspect of running your Tillmans Corner rental properties. Sharing a few simple preparedness tips can help rental residents weather the worst that mother nature may bring.
In a disaster, information is one of your most valuable 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. Throughout a natural disaster, the app will let you monitor conditions in your area and access critical 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 should the situation calls for it. You should urge your residents to get the app as part of their emergency preparedness plan.
Staying tuned to local news broadcasts and taking evacuation advice sincerely is one more important part of staying safe in a natural disaster. Decisions about whether to stay or leave must always be made fast, so having a plan in place before you need one is vital. If an evacuation order covers one or more of your rental homes, urge your residents to seek shelter instantly or to make arrangements to stay with friends, family, or a hotel outside of the emergency area. They should also be taught to bring 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.
If evacuation isn’t possible or required, residents should be encouraged to gather disaster supplies and to have a basic emergency kit close by. Having at least three days of supplies on hand is perfect, 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 shut as much as possible. Residents should be given clear instructions in each of these tasks, as well as aided with preparations as needed.
Helping residents prepare for a natural disaster is just one of the services presented by the experts at Real Property Management Azalea City. In an emergency situation, we will help with all disaster preparations, encourage your residents to make evacuation decisions first, and give them the information they need to stay safe. Would you like to learn more? Please contact us online or by phone at 251-345-6224 for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
