September is National Preparedness Month, and if you’re sitting there thinking, “Eh, I’ll deal with an emergency when it happens,” let me stop you right there. Let’s face it—having an emergency preparedness kit at home is a must these days. Whether it’s for natural disasters, power outages, or any unexpected event, you need to be ready. But here’s something a lot of people don’t consider: having a secondary emergency kit stored in a secure, off-site location, like a storage unit, is a smart way to take your preparedness to the next level.
Here’s why having a backup kit in a storage unit is better, and how it can help you out in ways that your home kit might not.
The Limits of a Home Kit
As great as it is to have an emergency kit at home, it’s not without its challenges:
What If Your Home Becomes Unsafe?
In some emergency situations—like flooding, fire, or severe weather—your home might not be a safe place to stay. If you’re forced to evacuate quickly, you may not have time to grab your kit or all the essentials.
Limited Storage Space
Emergency supplies can take up a lot of room, and for most people, space is already limited. Trying to fit bulky items like extra tools, safety gear, and backup medical supplies in a closet or garage can be tough.
Why Having a Secondary Kit in a Storage Unit is a Game-Changer
This is where a secondary emergency kit in a storage unit can be a life-saver (literally). Here’s why adding one to your preparedness plan is the next-level move:
Backup When You Can’t Reach Home
If you’re away from home when disaster strikes or can’t return to your home due to an evacuation order, having a kit in a storage unit gives you a backup plan. You can access it from a safe, off-site location and still have the essentials you need.
Extra Supplies for Extended Emergencies
If your home kit runs out or you need additional supplies during a long-term emergency, having a storage unit packed with backup gear ensures you don’t run dry. Think of it as your emergency stockpile without cluttering up your house.
Strategically Located
Many people choose storage units that are conveniently located between home and work or outside disaster-prone zones. That way, if an emergency happens, you’ve got another spot with vital supplies that’s easy to get to.
Protection from Damages
Your home kit is great, but what if your home itself is damaged during an emergency? A climate-controlled storage unit keeps sensitive items like tools, medical supplies, and backup batteries safe from extreme weather, moisture, and other potential damage.
Store Larger, Bulkier Items
Your home kit might be packed with essentials, but space is limited. A storage unit allows you to store backup larger items like extra tools, emergency shelter gear, or even assistive devices like canes or walkers—things you may not have room for at home but still need in an emergency.
Ideal for Community Preparedness
A storage unit is also ideal if you’re involved in community preparedness efforts. Whether you’re part of a neighborhood watch, disaster relief group, or local volunteer organization, a storage unit can hold larger items like tents, cots, and additional emergency supplies to help those in need during a crisis.
What Should Be in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit?
Let’s break down what you should have in your kit—because no, a half-used flashlight and a can of soup aren’t gonna cut it. Here’s what you really need to be ready for anything:
- Flashlight (because no one wants to be fumbling in the dark)
- Extra batteries (seriously, don’t forget these)
- First aid kit and first aid reference materials (so you’re not just guessing when you need to bandage something up)
- Radio (wind-up or battery-operated—because the Wi-Fi might not be working when you need updates)
- Local maps (Google Maps won’t help you if the service’s out)
- Whistle (for signaling if you need help—think Titanic, but less tragic)
- Dust mask (to filter out contaminated air)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and toilet paper (personal sanitation is still a thing, even in an emergency)
- Tools (like a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities)
- Can opener (because how else are you gonna open that emergency chili?)
- Contact info for family and friends (in case your phone dies and you can’t remember anyone’s number)
- Prescriptions, along with a list of medications and dosages for each family member and the reason they’re used (medical emergencies don’t take a rain check)
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and other assistive devices (like a cane or walker if needed)
Items Not Allowed in Storage Units
While preparing your emergency kit, it’s important to remember that certain items cannot be stored in a storage unit due to safety concerns:
- Perishable Food: Perishable items, such as fresh food, dairy, or anything that could spoil, are not allowed. These can attract pests and create unsanitary conditions in the storage unit.
- Flammable Items: Items like propane tanks, gasoline, fireworks, or any material that could ignite are prohibited for obvious fire hazard reasons. It’s critical to avoid storing any flammable materials, as this can put your safety and others’ at risk.
- Hazardous Materials: Other hazardous substances, like chemicals or pesticides, are also not permitted in storage units. They pose environmental risks and can damage your belongings or the unit itself.
Tips for Packing Your Emergency Preparedness Kit in a Storage Unit
When using a storage unit for emergency preparedness, it’s important to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Here are a few tips to help:
Use Clear Bins and Labels: Store items in labeled bins (e.g., “first aid supplies,” “tools & equipment”) so you can quickly locate what you need in an emergency.
Keep High-Priority Items in the Front: Store critical supplies, like first aid kits and flashlights, near the entrance of your unit for quick access.
Inventory Your Supplies: Keep an updated list of what’s stored in the unit and check it regularly to ensure nothing is missing or expired.
Store Large, Bulky Items in the Back: Items like tents, emergency shelter gear, and tools can be placed in the back, leaving room for smaller, essential items up front.
Benefits of Using Security Public Storage for Emergency Preparedness
At Security Public Storage, we understand how important it is to be prepared for emergencies. We offer clean, safe, and secure storage units that are perfect for storing your emergency preparedness kits. With convenient locations and top-tier security, you can rest easy knowing your supplies are safe and ready when you need them.
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