Preparing STR Properties for Hurricane Season

[Ben Scarborough]

Hurricane season is here!

Whether you are a resident in a coastal market, host a short term rental, or just have a second home near the coast, there are always items you need to be sure you can check off of your list in the event that a hurricane is headed your property's way. If you aren't paying close enough attention, you may only have a few days to react by the time you hear about the storm!

If a tropical storm is approaching and you have guests staying at your property, here are some items to consider providing:
- Water bottles
- A battery pack so guests can charge phones
- Battery powered lanterns
- Battery powered fans
- A radio for weather updates
- Flashlights
- Spare batteries

A safe space I would suggest storing these items before a storm arises would be in your owners closet with coded access for guests.

Although not necessarily terrifying in every case, smaller storms still have the capability to cause power outages and severe flooding which could end up preventing your guests from being able to leave.

If a hurricane is approaching, be proactive with any upcoming reservations. If you have not created a hurricane or weather policy for your property, there is no time like the present to get one in place and display it in your listing! If a guest made a reservation prior to you having a hurricane or weather policy in place, let them know how the situation would be handled before a hurricane or a bad storm arises.

As far as prepping your property goes, I would recommend checking the following boxes at a minimum before a storm/hurricane emerges:
- Have a plan in place to secure outdoor furniture and miscellaneous items
- Trim trees & branches
- Have a protection plan in place for windows and doors
- Waterproof important documents
- Put fragile items or valuables on elevated surfaces
- Review your insurance policy
- Check that your roof and siding is secured and not loose
- Ensure you still have an effective way to communicate in the case that service goes out in the area

If you do not live near your property and are unable to check these boxes, find a reliable handyman and/or professional that will be able to complete these tasks for you.

If I am missing anything, please add your suggestions below!