The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates nearly one in four weather-related vehicle crashes involve winter weather conditions. Checking the weather forecast before heading out on wintry roads is an important way to reduce risk. Here are some tips: · If the forecast calls for nasty winter weather, staying put may be the safest decision. ·...

Before heading out on the roads during winter months, it's important to be prepared to drive safely for specific road and weather conditions. Here are some tips: · Prior to departing, clear snow and ice from your car including the windshield, windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors, hood, roof, and trunk. · Keep your headlights on while driving to...

Winter weather brings colder temperatures, which often mean snow and ice. At a self-storage facility, snow and ice can mean slippery walkways, wet floors, and roofs that need to be cleared of snow accumulation. Consider contracting with a reputable, insured, and licensed snow-removal company. These companies contract with businesses to remove...

Winter weather can make driving hazardous. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly one in four weather-related vehicle crashes involve snow, slush, or icy roads. One important way to reduce risk when driving during winter weather is to prepare your vehicle in advance. Here are some tips: Assemble a winter survival kit and keep...

The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also be stressful. The combination of holiday expenses and obligations, foul weather, cold and flu season, financial pressures, and end-of-the-year work deadlines can get the best of anyone at one time or another. Factor in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and this holiday season may be even more...

If your self-storage property has suffered damage due to a storm, fire, or other event, it is important to file an insurance claim quickly. It is equally important to provide complete information in your claim report. This will enable your insurance agent and insurance company to process your claim as quickly as possible. Claim reporting...

In order to protect your self-storage operation from cybercrime, it helps to understand the most common threats and tactics used by cybercriminals. This week's topic is man-in-the-middle attacks. What is a Man-In-The-Middle Attack? Also known as an eavesdropping or hijacking attack, a man-in-the-middle, or MITM, attack lets hackers secretly put...

In order to protect your self-storage operation from cybercrime, it helps to understand the most common threats and tactics used by cybercriminals. This week's topic is ransomware. What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or computer files until a sum of money is paid. It freezes...

In order to protect your self-storage operation from cybercrime, it helps to understand the most common threats and tactics used by cybercriminals. This week's topic is phishing. What is Phishing? Phishing is the preferred tool of cybercriminals, accounting for 93 percent of all breaches, which are...

In order to protect your self-storage operation from cybercrime, it helps to understand the most common threats and tactics used by cybercriminals. This week's topic is malware. What is Malware? The word "malware" is a shortened version of the term “malicious software.” Malware works by infecting a computer to...

In order to protect your self-storage operation from cybercrime, it helps to understand the most common threats and tactics used by cybercriminals. This week's topic is password attacks. What is a Password Attack? A password attack often uses an automated system in which different password combinations are used to try to gain...

Self-storage facilities can be prime targets for cybercriminals who can use customer information to rob bank accounts via wire transfers, steal customers’ personal identity information, and commit other fraudulent activities. In general, many small businesses are vulnerable to data breaches for three key reasons: · They don’t believe they...

In the aftermath of a flood, there are a number of hazards that you may encounter. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies the following hazards associated with floods.·  Electrical hazardsTree and debris removalLifting injuriesMoldRodents, snakes, and insectsChemical and...

Which flood alert is more critical – a watch or a warning? It's important to know the differences in the warning system alerts and understand the appropriate action to take for each alert level. Flood Watch Meaning: Flooding is possible. Action: Monitor radio and television stations for more information. Flash Flood Watch Meaning: Flash flooding...

The growing frequency and severity of weather events such as wind, hail, and torrential rain can increase the risk of flooding. Before flood waters approach your self-storage facility, make sure to put an evacuation plan in place to ensure your personal safety and that of your employees and customers. A thorough evacuation plan should include:...

The hazards associated with wildfires may persist even after the flames have been extinguished. Here are some tips for staying safe after a wildfire. · Monitor information from authorities as to when it is safe to return to an area and whether water is safe to drink. · Avoid hot ash, charred trees, and smoldering debris. · Wet down debris to...

September is National Preparedness Month, and creating a communications plan is a top priority when it comes to fire prevention at a self-storage facility. Regular communication to customers can go a long way toward mitigating the risk of fire on the property. Examples of tenant communication include the following: Signage: Post “no smoking”...

One of the most important and cost-effective steps you can take to mitigate the risk of wildfire damage at your self-storage operation is to create and maintain a defensible space around the facility. This is a zone in which vegetation, debris, and other combustible fuels have been cleared, minimized, or treated with the goal of slowing the...