By Steve Lucas
As a boat and RV storage facility owner, you already understand the immense responsibility on your shoulders. After all, tenants rely on you to safely store their significant investments, so having a contingency plan in the event of emergencies will put you a level above your competition and let tenants feel safe doing business with you.
When it comes to preparing for the unexpected, there are many factors to consider and some trials to conquer. Let us dive into those different challenges and how your company’s ability to overcome them will benefit you in the long run.
THE CHALLENGES
Unpredictability. When preparing for the future, it is better to expect the unexpected. But how can you expect the unexpected when you don’t know what to expect? It’s difficult to prepare for every possible scenario, especially as natural disasters are unpredictable. It seems the “big one” in terms of storms is never as bad as the weather forecasters say, while unforeseen fires and floods can wreak havoc.
With so many variables at play, it takes time and thoughtful planning to pinpoint what sort of disaster scenario to anticipate. Your best bet is ensuring the basics are covered:
Making sure your facility is reinforced,
Double-checking that insurance coverage is up to date,
Stocking up on emergency supplies, and
Ensuring contingency plans are in place.
Cost. Disaster preparedness can be pricey. Upgrading facilities and purchasing emergency supplies can be expensive. However, consider the cost if your business does not have the protections in place. Even with insurance covering incidentals, you save time and money by planning ahead. Interruption of business operations is another cost you should take into consideration. With preplanning, you can ensure that business will run without a hitch, allowing you to get back to normal operations.
Customer Communication. Communicating the right information with the right people in a timely fashion is imperative, but it comes with its own challenges, especially because you must communicate quickly with staff as well as numerous tenants. This is particularly true if the emergency is unexpected and imminent, such as a tornado or a burglary. Often, while putting out proverbial fires, it can be easy to lose yourself in the chaos and forget to provide regular updates. By creating a communication strategy beforehand–either through social media channels, email or on your website–your tenants and employees will have the latest information to act accordingly.
Insurance Claims. Navigating pesky insurance claims post-disaster can be time-consuming and complex. No one likes dealing with insurance, but when the time comes to make a claim, having a cushion of coverage is ideal. You will have a better time going through insurance as long as you have the right coverage. Insurance only works when you purchase it before disaster strikes, so make sure you are familiar with your policy and understand what’s covered, what’s not and what your deductible is–long before you face a natural disaster.
Access Issues. In the aftermath of a hurricane or fire, there is a window of time that emergency responders must act for recovery efforts. You must ensure that your facility is accessible in the event of an emergency. Having the option for manual gate access to override electronic systems and backup generators onsite can ensure operations are running smoothly. You want to help, not hinder, and making your storage facility accessible will go a long way in helping recovery efforts.
Staff Safety. The safety of your staff is paramount during times of disaster. Ensure their safety during emergencies while maintaining operations. Training staff on how to respond in the case of natural or man-made disasters will give your employees ample time and resources to act quickly and limit damage in or around the facility. This will also ensure your team members are prepared for any scenario.
Customer Expectations. Manage your customers’ expectations concerning the safety and security of their stored items. Whether you speak to your tenants directly, have policies in their paperwork, or display signs in your office, letting customers know your plans in the event of accidents, burglaries, vandalism or natural disasters sends a strong signal that your facility is the safest option to store their expensive, beloved belongings.
No matter what gets thrown at you, you can handle it. As an entrepreneur in the boat and RV storage industry, there is nothing you cannot accomplish. You are in the business of keeping valuables safe, and by planning for every scenario, including the worst-case scenario, you are preparing to shine at a time when storage protection is needed most.
The Storage Group® has a team of experts specializing in the storage industry that offers digital marketing services as well as innovative software solutions. The Storage Group® provides self-storage business owners with industry-leading marketing campaigns and online technology tools to improve their facilities’ online presence, drive higher conversion rates, and increase revenue.
Steve Lucas, the CEO & Managing Partner at The Storage Group® will be speaking at the upcoming Toy Storage Nation Executive Workshop in Naples, FL. The Executive Workshop is September 27th at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Steve’s presentation is titled “Harnessing Digital Marketing to Drive Success in Boat & RV Storage.” Register today.
