The natural response whenever a natural disaster threatens is to worry about the safety of our family and friends. However, as the owner of single-family rental homes, you should put the well-being of your residents on top of your priority list. Helping your residents to prepare for a natural disaster is a fundamental part of managing your Kimberly rental properties. Sharing a few simple preparedness tips can go far in helping them weather the worst that mother nature may bring.
In a disaster, information tops the list 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. Amid a natural disaster, the app will allow you to monitor conditions in your area and accumulate important data 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.
Keeping close tabs to local news broadcasts and taking evacuation advice seriously is another important factor in staying safe in a natural disaster. Decisions about whether to remain or find shelter somewhere else must be made fast, so formulating a plan in place before you need one is essential. If an evacuation order includes one or more of your rental homes, encourage 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 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.
If evacuation isn’t possible or required, residents should be urged to gather disaster supplies and to have 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 ought to be secured, and if required, heavy shutters should also be put in place. 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 given clear instructions in each of these tasks, as well as assisted with preparations as needed.
Assisting your residents to get ready in the face of a natural disaster threat is just one of the services rendered by the experts at Real Property Management Magic Valley. In an emergency situation, we will assist with all disaster preparations, encourage your residents to make 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 208-734-4001 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.