{"id":17230,"date":"2024-12-03T08:33:22","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T16:33:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/?p=17230"},"modified":"2026-05-29T00:41:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T07:41:40","slug":"what-to-do-if-a-natural-disaster-hits-your-storage-unit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-a-natural-disaster-hits-your-storage-unit\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do If Your Storage Unit Is Hit By A Natural Disaster"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you rent self storage<\/a> and a natural disaster has hit your unit, now is the time to stay calm and plan wisely. Contact your facility, ask for a report of the damage and assess the unit yourself, then get ready to file a claim if you\u2019ve got insurance. That may be the insurance provided by your storage facility or your homeowners’ insurance, which usually covers about 10% of the loss resulting from the damage. However, many insurance policies do not offer coverage for natural disasters<\/a> like earthquakes, wildfires or floods.<\/p>\n

All of that is easier said than done, so we\u2019ve talked to self storage and insurance experts to break it all down for you: what to expect if your storage unit is affected by a natural disaster<\/a>, how to mitigate losses, and the steps you can take to avoid this problem going forward.<\/p>\n

The best way to stay protected is to plan ahead \u2014 having your belongings covered and secured not only keeps them safe but also gives you peace of mind. Plus, according to flooding experts<\/a>, storage units offer a safer option than storing your items in vulnerable spaces like basements.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Contact your facility and ask for a report<\/span><\/h2>\n

First things first: Email your storage provider or call and request a report detailing the damage or at least some official documentation. This is especially important if you\u2019ve got insurance, as you\u2019ll have to include the report in the documentation needed to file the claim.<\/p>\n

Since your unit might not be the only one that\u2019s suffered some damage, the facility\u2019s phone line may be quite busy. However, most responsible self storage facilities will contact you when your unit has been damaged by a natural disaster<\/a>. They might let you know the degree to which your things can be saved and schedule an appointment for you to visit your unit to avoid overcrowding.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Salvage what you can and assess the damage<\/span><\/h2>\n

As soon as it\u2019s safe, head to your unit and snap photos of everything without moving a thing. Ricard Velazquez of Boxie24<\/a> suggests taking it step-by-step: \u201cIf a renter\u2019s unit is affected by a natural disaster, they should ensure it\u2019s safe before entering, notify the facility, and document any damage for insurance.<\/i> Contacting their insurer quickly with photos and details helps accelerate claims.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you want to file a claim, it\u2019s advisable to write down everything that\u2019s missing or has been damaged. Preferably, your notes will also detail the extent of the damage to each object because they\u2019ll be part of the documentation for your insurance claim.<\/p>\n

Still, not every object is bound to be a goner \u2014 even water- or smoke-damaged items might be salvageable with the right approach. Professional cleaners can restore certain belongings, but there are also steps you can take to improve the chances of saving them.<\/p>\n

The Federal Emergency Management Agency<\/a> (FEMA) recommends starting with the items that hold the most sentimental value. Gently air-dry these items and clean them using soft cloths or brushes to avoid further damage. For photos, try air-drying them on paper towels or hanging them with clothespins.<\/p>\n

If you need additional help, FEMA suggests reaching out to the Regional Alliance for Preservation. Their nonprofit organizations can provide expert advice and resources for preserving your treasured belongings.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Check your insurance policy<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to know that self storage facilities aren\u2019t usually responsible for damage caused by natural disasters \u2014 what the legal world calls \u201cacts of God\u201d or \u201cforce majeure.\u201d When it comes to insurance, standard policies like renters’ or homeowners’ insurance often don\u2019t cover natural disasters unless you have specifically added coverage for such events. However, this varies by policy and provider. For instance:<\/p>\n