The run of the mill response to a threat of a natural disaster is to consider our friends and family—they are the ones we have as the top priority, without a doubt. Be that as it may, as the owner of single-family rental homes, you need to consider the safety of your residents and ensure their well-being is treated as a top priority. Helping your residents to prepare for a natural disaster is an essential aspect of dealing with your St George rental properties. Sharing a few simple preparedness tips can help ensure your rental residents weather the worst that mother nature may bring.
In a disaster, information is one of your most precious assets. 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. During a natural disaster, the app will enable you to monitor conditions in your area and access important information you may need in an emergency. The app also lets you notify others that you are safe and can even assist you in finding help if necessary. You must encourage your residents to install the app as part of their emergency preparedness plan.
Tuning in to local news broadcasts and taking evacuation advice seriously is another noteworthy part of staying safe in a natural disaster. Decisions about whether to remain or look for a safe house somewhere else should be made fast, so keeping an arrangement prepared before you need one is critical. In the event that an evacuation order comprises one or more of your rental homes, encourage your residents to seek shelter immediately or to make arrangements to remain 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 encouraged to gather disaster supplies and to have a basic emergency kit nearby. 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.
Lastly, the property itself should be prepared to weather the storm by gathering and storing outdoor furniture, bicycles, and other items securely. Windows and doors should be protected, and if needed, heavy shutters mounted. 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.
Helping residents prepare for a natural disaster is just one of the services offered by the experts at Real Property Management Southern Utah. In an emergency situation, we will help 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 435-673-4242 for more information.
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