Hurricane Preparedness: How to Get Your Vacation Rental Ready
As fall approaches, the threat of hurricane season lingers in the thoughts of many property owners. Fears of damages to their property and the safety of their guests can be the source of much stress and anxiety.
However, as always, the best way to protect your home and visitors is to be properly prepared. Here at SaferVRS, our job is helping you prepare your business and protect it against potential losses.
To help you prepare for the coming hurricane season, we’ve created this quick guide to help you prepare your rental and protect your peace of mind.
Hurricane Season Resources
Pacific and Atlantic Hurricane seasons typically run from June 1 to November 30.
This is a critical time for property owners in vulnerable areas to stay informed and prepared for potential storms. Helpful resources for this storm can be found on these websites:
These sites are responsible for accurate and timely updates on hurricane forecasts. Additionally, the FEMA app is a valuable tool, providing real-time hurricane warnings, emergency shelter locations, and preparedness tips.
Hurricane Season Vacation Property Preparation
If your rental is located in a place where hurricanes occur, you’ll need to prepare your property in a number of different ways.
Structural Preparations
One of the most important things to consider is whether or not your property is structurally sound enough to sustain a potential hurricane or tornado. To determine whether or not this is true, you’ll need to have your property inspected yearly.
You’ll also want to prepare your property by reinforcing areas like your roof, doors, and windows.
Reinforcing the Roof
It can be helpful to secure the roof to the walls of your home by installing hurricane straps or clips, therefore reducing the risk of the roof lifting off. Also consider replacing standard shingles with impact resistant shingles designed to withstand heavy rain, sustained winds and debris.
You can also seal your roof deck to prevent water from entering your property should shingles be blown off. Be sure to routinely clean the gutters as well as downspouts. This simple action can prevent water backup and additional roof damages.
Reinforcing Windows
To best protect your windows from flying debris, you should install storm shutters if storm shutters are not an option, you’ll need to cut plywood boards to fit each window and have them ready to install before a storm.
If possible install impact resistant windows capable of withstanding the force of windblown debris. It’s also a good idea to install hurricane film to the inside of windows. While this won’t prevent the glass from breaking it may keep the glass together should it shatter in a storm.
Reinforcing Doors
Start by inspecting all exterior doors, hinges, and locks. To ensure they are strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds, they should have three hinges and a deadbolt lock. Consider installing door bracing kits to provide additional support.
If you have double doors anywhere on your property be sure to secure them with bolts that go in the floor and top frame to prevent them from being blown open. Garage doors should also be reinforced with a brace, or if possible consider installing a hurricane resistant model.
Outdoor Area Preparation
Be sure to keep your landscaping up to par to protect your home from potential damage from flying debris. Regularly trimming trees and shrubs can help prevent loose fragments from damaging your home in a storm.
Also, be sure to secure outdoor furniture and decor. We recommend moving these things indoors to prevent them from flying around in high winds and damaging your property or the property of your neighbors.
Preparing Emergency Supplies and Equipment
Be sure to have a stack of emergency essentials available at your home and make guests aware of its location. Your supply kit should include:
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- Emergency phone numbers
It may also be helpful to include other items in your emergency kit, such as:
- A manual can opener
- Swiss Army knife
- Matches
- Lighter
- Local maps
- Emergency internet connection device
Utility and Power Preparations
Power outages are likely in the event of any major storm. If your property has backup power sources, like a generator, be sure they are in working condition and fuel is accessible.
Be sure to leave information on how guests can shut off utilities such as water, gas, and electricity if necessary.
Insurance and Documentation
It is essential to ensure that your property insurance policies are up to date and provide adequate coverage. If you do not have flood insurance, consider adding it to your policy.
Check these policies several times throughout the year and be sure your important documents are easily accessible. You should also document your property’s condition yearly with photos and videos.
Preparing Guests for Potential Hurricanes
Pre-Arrival
You should always make guests aware of safety precautions and procedures should an emergency arise. In your welcome packet, be sure to include a comprehensive emergency plan, especially hurricane safety tips.
If a tropical storm or hurricane is threatening the area, notify guests before they arrive. Depending on the confidence of the forecast and projected storm force, encourage guests to consider delaying or rescheduling their trip for their own safety.
During the Stay Emergency Management
Be sure to have a communication plan to deliver communication updates and emergency instructions should an event arise during your guest's stay. Make sure local officials and emergency contacts are displayed prominently. If a mandatory evacuation is issued, make sure guests are notified and encouraged to leave immediately.
Be sure to detail specific step-by-step evacuation plans, including evacuation routes, and provide maps and directions to the nearest shelters. You should also offer a shelter-in-place plan should evacuation not be possible, designating a safe room in the property.
Be sure to include how you will communicate with your guests should cell phones not work. Social media and messaging apps can be a great way to communicate real-time updates.
After the Storm
Should the unthinkable happen and a hurricane hits your home, you’ll need to be prepared to take steps to assess the damage and make necessary repairs. You’ll want to take inventory of any damages that occurred, including checking the flood damage from floodwaters. Once you have determined the extent of any damages, contact your homeowner's insurance to file a claim.
Also, be sure to check in with your guests to ensure their well-being and offer any necessary assistance with travel arrangements. Finally, restock your disaster supply kit and determine if any adjustments should be made to your hurricane preparedness plan.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Your policy for cancellation in the event of a hurricane should be clearly outlined in your rental contract. Terms for any applicable refund should be detailed plainly.
If possible, consider offering flexible booking and cancellation options during hurricane season. This will help with guest satisfaction and future re-bookings from satisfied customers.
Don’t Just Ride out the Storm, Be Prepared
Being prepared for a hurricane or other natural disaster is yet another critical part of being a responsible property owner. The ins and outs of property management and preparing for the unexpected can be daunting at times. That’s why at Safter VRS, we’ve committed to making your life as a property manager easier.
Check out our online courses, memberships, and coaching opportunities to learn how we can help you protect your investment and your peace of mind!