“Prepare for a disaster” wasn’t on my todo list as a newbie renter in Alabama. When sirens woke me I looked out my window. Of course, there wasn’t one other confused face pressed against the window looking around. Could I really be the only person hearing this? My conclusion, I unknowingly rented extremely close to (possibly in) a prison and a great escape had just commenced. I called my family to reenact the loud “wooooo” that got progressively higher and louder and was advised to turn on the TV. 

Renting can give us amazing flexibility to move around.  However, the farmlands of Illinois,  beaches of Florida and forests of California differ in more than just landscape.  They have uniquely different risks. It turns out I was not renting near a prison. The news warned to take cover immediately. This was the first of many tornado sirens to come over the next three years. (In case you don’t know, they sound like this.) A Floridian knows how to prepare for hurricanes. California residents are familiar with earthquake preparedness kits. However, in Alabama, a renter who’d never lived in a tornado region before questioned why I rented on the forth floor with no safe room.

In the event your landlord or rental property doesn’t keep your life exciting enough, Mother Nature has you covered.  Earthquakes, fires, blizzards, floods, hurricanes, tornados, she has them all. But beyond surviving, how do you prepare for disaster as a renter?

There is no time like the present to understand what you have gotten yourself into. That’s especially true if your new rental is in a drastically different area than where you are from. You may not be able to do much to protect your possessions from a tornado. But knowing the threat, the warnings and having a plan in place is an important to your safety. This will also help in addressing landlord/tenant responsibilities from the start.

First, make sure your lease is detailed in addressing landlord roles and responsibilities regarding potential threats to your rental property. While your lease won’t prevent a natural disaster, areas prone to threatening events often have precautionary actions to be taken.  Some landlords want to be heavily involved in protecting their investment property, some do not. The days before a major hurricane is not the time to learn the landlord doesn’t install or own hurricane shutters.  

Also make sure your roles and responsibilities as a tenant are defined in the lease as well. For example, if you vacate the rental due to fires, does your lease require you to connect hoses or fill water buckets before departing? Additionally, if your landlord isn’t local, what kind of communication do they expect from you? Where the lines of where responsibility end greatly depends upon the terms agreed upon in your lease. Having plans in place can alleviate a lot of stress during an already stressful time.

Next, consider renters’ insurance when you move in. Do NOT wait until a threat is imminent. The reality is, when natural disaster strikes, renters are in a vulnerable position. Landlords may be inclined to invest in protecting their own residence first, and their investment properties second (or lower). Your safety and the protection of your belongings could potentially be at a greater risk. When it comes to insurance, if the disaster is on the radar it is often too late to prepare.  This is an area where you need to get ahead of the storm so to say. Having renters’ insurance and knowing your coverage could make a huge difference in getting back on your feet.

Know your rental sweet rental.  Familiarize yourself with how to turn off the gas and the water line.  Be aware where your electrical box is. If there is a generator with your rental, ensure you know how to use it.  During an emergency isn’t the time to try to figure these pieces out.

Get to know your neighbors.  In times of crisis communities have an incredible way of coming together. Relationships with your neighbors could be an important support network during a disaster or during the recovery. At the very least, exchange names and phone numbers. Preparing for a disaster might just be the perfect cover for making new friends.

Now is also a perfect time to get to know the community you are moving into. Familiarize yourself with the evacuations routes and local hospitals. Consider this all part of your welcome to the neighborhood tour! 

Finally, assemble an emergency preparedness kit. As the American Red Cross says, “being prepared means being equipped.” You can pick up many of these items when you are buying cleaning supplies and decor for your new place.  If you don’t want to compile the items in your kit, simply buy one here. 

Hopefully these tips will help you to prepare for a disaster that never happens. But if a disaster does occur, or you’ve never heard a tornado siren before, you’ll know how to keep safe!