Storing items for an extended period of time is best accomplished with the assistance of a storage unit. Many people worry about the condition and security of their things when self storage units are rented. Many self storage units offer gates, cameras, and secure doors to make sure that your belongings are not tampered with. However, your main concern may be mother nature, especially if you live in an area that floods regularly. If you want to make sure that storage can be accomplished in a flood area, then follow the tips in this article.

Investigate The Storage Facility

If you want to make sure that your belongings do not become waterlogged while in a storage space, then make sure that you choose a facility that provides storage in buildings that are made from flood damage resistant materials. These materials are typically used when homes are built in flood hazard areas and are below the base flood elevation. Base flood elevation is the elevation where flood waters are likely to rise during a flood event, and the materials used during construction are meant to stay intact when exposed to a prolonged and direct flood water event. Typically, flood damage resistant materials will stay intact for at least 72 hours, according to FEMA. 

If you want to make sure that your belongings will be safe from flood waters, then the exterior of the storage buildings should be made from brick, concrete, or metal. Decay-resistant wood may reduce flood damage concerns as well, but this material is more likely to absorb water and destroy some of your items if flood waters are present for an extended period of time. When it comes to the floors of the facility, concrete is a good material. Also, hollow steel doors can help to keep damage concerns at bay.

Along with flood-resistant materials, also consider a facility that has multiple two and three-story buildings where storage units can be rented. Choose to rent a unit that is several feet above the base flood elevation for the area. Use the address of the storage facility and a flood hazard map to figure out which story is best. If flood data is not available, then opt for the highest part of the building that is available. 

Elevate Your Belongings

Once you find a storage facility that meets your needs, you should also make sure to elevate your belongings so they do not become damaged if flood waters do come into the unit. The easiest way to create elevation is to place several wooden pallets along the floor of the unit. Pallets can be a bit pricey to purchase new, so consider asking a small business in your area to see if they have any that you can take for free. Pallets are typically used to ship large quantities of items, so a busy hardware, garden supply, or grocery store may have some extra pallets that they are willing to part with. Place pallets in the storage unit to cover the entire floor and place boxes and belongings on top of them.

Adding shelves to the unit can help to keep things off the ground too. A free-standing shelf will likely need to be placed in the unit, since it will be rented. To prevent tipping issues without adding a permanent bracket to the wall, make sure the shelves have a wide base. 

If you want to store some items in a storage unit and you live in a flood prone area, then you need to make sure that the storage unit and your belongings are safe from hazardous waters. You should search for the right storage facility and elevate your belongings. Also, ask the owner of the self storage facility in your area, such as National Self Storage - Denver, about other tips that will help to keep your things safe.