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The Effects of Natural Disasters on Storage Facilities and the Risks Involved

Jan 8

4 min read

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Natural disasters are unpredictable and devastating events that can cause widespread destruction and disruption for a massive group of people in one epic disaster.

For storage facilities, whether they’re used for personal, commercial, or industrial purposes, the impact on storage unit users of such events can be severe, long-lasting & especially financially crushing.

From flooding to earthquakes to wildfires, these disasters pose significant risks to both the physical infrastructure of storage facilities and the valuable goods within them.



Flooding: A Major Threat to Storage Facilities

Flooding is one of the most common and damaging natural disasters that storage facilities face. Whether caused by heavy rainfall & storms, or rising sea levels, floods can inundate storage units, damaging both the structure and the contents inside.

How it Affects Storage Facilities:

  • Water Damage to Goods: Floodwaters can ruin sensitive items like electronics, paper documents, artwork, and perishable goods. Even for less sensitive items, prolonged exposure to water can lead to rust, corrosion, and mold. Plus that beautiful damp smell we all love.

  • Structural Damage: Flooding can weaken the foundations and walls of storage buildings, compromising their structural integrity. This then put the risks of your goods within the storage companies quick moving? Will the roof fall in on my things? The cost of repairs can be astronomical, especially when floodwaters cause shifting or erosion of the ground around the facility.

  • Loss of Access: Roads and infrastructure leading to storage facilities may be blocked or destroyed, making it difficult for customers to access their belongings or for staff to carry out operations - as many businesses move towards using storage units for run their small businesses.



Fires: A Devastating Force

Wildfires, electrical fires, firebugs and even fires caused by lightning strikes can pose serious threats to storage facilities and the contents within them. The potential for rapid spread and the difficulty of controlling fires in certain environments makes this a high-risk concern for businesses that store goods. Plus how do you know that the storage unit next door to yours has non flammable goods?

How it Affects Storage Facilities:

  • Total Destruction of Property: Once a fire takes hold of a storage unit or facility, the intense heat and flames can quickly engulf entire buildings, along with everything stored inside. This is especially true for flammable materials like paper, chemicals, clothing and certain types of plastics.

  • Air Quality Issues: In addition to the destruction of goods and infrastructure, the smoke and ash from fires can linger for weeks, causing long-term air quality issues that can affect the health of employees and surrounding communities.

  • Temporary Shutdowns: Even if a fire is contained before major damage occurs, the facility may still face extensive repairs and a loss of service for a large portion of their clientele. This then causes more issues in future as the damage may have spread further than what was first thought.



Earthquakes: Structural Integrity at Risk

Earthquakes can hit without warning around the world and wreak havoc on storage facilities - especially the older ones. They can lead to structural collapse, resulting in both physical damage to the facility and the loss of personal & business goods for a large amount of people.

How it Affects Storage Facilities:

  • Building Collapse: If a storage facility is not designed to withstand seismic activity, the ground shaking can cause the building to completely collapse, partially collapse - destroying the structure and anything inside and making it impossible to enter.

  • Damage to Shelving Systems: Items stored in high shelves or racks are particularly vulnerable to being dislodged during an earthquake. This can lead to both product damage and injuries to staff or customers.

  • Long-Term Disruption: Even after an earthquake, facilities might suffer from aftershocks that can cause further damage, delaying repairs, unsafe structures causing a delay in the recovery of some items.



Severe Weather: Wind, Hail, and Tornadoes

Severe weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and intense storms pose another set of risks to storage facilities. These disasters often bring high winds, heavy rain, and large hailstones that can damage the exterior of buildings and cause flooding & leaks.

How it Affects Storage Facilities:

  • Roof and Window Damage: High winds can tear off roofs or shatter windows, leading to water ingress, and the potential for more extensive damage from the elements if items are over exposed.

  • Flying Debris: In tornado-prone areas, flying debris can pose a direct threat to the integrity of storage buildings. Broken glass, metal shards, and other projectiles can penetrate walls and windows, further compromising the security and safety of the storage facility.

  • Disrupted Operations: In areas where hurricanes or severe storms are frequent, storage facilities might face frequent closures, service interruptions, and delays in the transportation of goods which can cause financial pain in the long run.




The Financial Impact and Long-Term Risks

The immediate physical damage caused by a natural disaster is only part of the problem for storage facilities and the occupants within them. The financial impact can be just as devastating for both storage facility and the person who is storing. Aside from the direct cost of repairs and replacements, facilities often face:

  • Loss of Revenue: Many storage businesses rely on a steady stream of rental income, which can dry up during recovery periods when the facility is inaccessible or out of service.

  • Insurance Challenges: Insurance coverage for natural disasters can be expensive or difficult to obtain as insurance companies need as much proof as possible, especially for storage facilities in high-risk areas. Additionally, the claims process can be long and complex, leaving storage operators without financial support when they need it most. Also the storer may have had valuable items within the unit that the storage facility didn't know about - this means they may not be able to help.

  • Customer Trust: In the aftermath of a disaster, storage facilities that fail to recover quickly or offer sufficient protection for their clients’ belongings may lose customer trust, resulting in a decline in business due to many reasons but mainly lack of action and preventative measures implemented will be the lasting impact on the storer.



Jan 8

4 min read

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