When faced with the threat of a natural disaster, our immediate concerns are the safety of our loved ones. But as the owner of single-family rental homes, maintaining the safety of your tenants should be the top priority. Making sure your residents know how to prepare for a natural disaster is one of the best ways to prevent damage and protect your St Clair Shores 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. During a natural disaster, the app will allow 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 help you find help if needed. You should encourage your residents to get the app as part of their emergency preparedness plan.
Staying alert to local news broadcasts and instructing your residents about taking evacuation advice seriously is another vital part of staying safe in a natural disaster. Decisions about whether to remain in the area or leave must be made fast, so planning before you would require one is essential. In case an evacuation order covers 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 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 should be secured, and if required, 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 provided with clear instructions in each of these tasks, as well as helped with preparations as needed.
Accommodating residents in preparing for a natural disaster is just one of the services extended by the experts at Real Property Management Silverstone. In an emergency situation, we will assist with all disaster preparations, encourage your residents to make evacuation decisions beforehand, 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 586-992-6419 for more information.
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