A number of storms and hurricanes have been predicted for this year. The hurricane season has already started and now is the time to prepare and get your rental properties ready accordingly. How do you do this? We have quite a few suggestions for you; implement them and you should be fine.
Should a natural disaster strike, you should be able to communicate both with your residents and staff. With mobile technology, you can easily achieve this, but you will have to set up your phones and tablets.
Enable push alerts
There are several applications that will keep you up to date with the weather, shelter locations, evacuation routes and other useful information if a disaster strikes. You might already be using some of these applications. Increase their usefulness by enabling push notifications; now if there is any change, you will be instantly notified.
Google’s tool, called the Google Public Alerts, also sends alerts from credible sources such as the US National Weather Service.
Install an emergency preparedness app
The Red Cross has developed several apps for a number of natural disasters like quakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. These apps list shelter locations and offer first aid tips for emergency situations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA also has launched an application that will provide you with useful information, along with a list of FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.
Have alternative sources of power
Power outages are common during hurricanes. If your phone’s or tablet’s battery goes down, you will have to charge it so that you remain connected and can keep yourself updated. Buy an external battery pack, and always keep it with you for use in such situations.
Got a bigger budget? You could think about investing in renewable energy sources a well. If the power failure continues for several days, you will be glad you had these devices installed.
Get waterproof cases for your mobile phones
Water is involved with many natural disasters, which makes getting a waterproof case a great idea. Get one for all of your electronic devices. Want to save yourself money? You can even use a zip-top freezer bag. Now not only will your phone be protected, but it will also float if the bag is sealed.
Act on our tips, and keep yourself and your resident’s safe during disasters.
