Following the devastating Spring 2024 tornadoes that recently struck our Central Texas community, we offer a practical solution for the aftermath: storage units. Discover how these temporary holding spaces can help you clear the clutter and keep your belongings safe amidst the chaos.
Tornadoes are unpredictable and destructive, leaving a lasting impact on affected communities. With wind speeds reaching up to 300 mph in the most violent storms, homes, and cars, among other things, can become dangerous projectiles. The aftermath of tornadoes can be overwhelming, with residents facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and homes.
Texas is no stranger to tornadoes. Last year alone, the state experienced 81 tornadoes, causing an estimated $14,204,000 in property damage. In the wake of the recent Temple, TX Tornado, we want to show how storage units can support our Texas community. From providing a safe space for belongings to helping keep clutter at bay during rebuilding, storage units serve as a valuable home away from home during disaster recovery.
In these challenging times, having a secure place to store your possessions can bring a sense of normalcy and control. It allows families to focus on what truly matters: restoring their homes and lives. Join us as we explore the many ways storage units can serve as a lifeline in the aftermath of a tornado.
Immediate Aftermath of a Tornado
The aftermath of a tornado can be as noticeable and dangerous as the storm itself. With debris and glass scattered everywhere, walking around becomes a severe hazard. Once the intense winds have calmed down, heavy rain typically follows since tornadoes stem from thunderstorms. Excessive rainfall after a tornado can pose a severe danger due to flooding risks, extensive property damage, and exposed electrical and gas lines. These conditions significantly threaten the safety of those in the affected area.
Affected communities are left to deal with the chaos and destruction caused by the tornado. Homes can have their roofs ripped off, and the excessive wind may flip over cars. Essential services for communities and businesses can be disrupted for weeks while others are helped. In more severe cases, some people may be left homeless and displaced as their homes have experienced too much damage to live in. Many will lose valuable possessions that are either too costly to replace or hold sentimental value. Tragically, some may lose family members and friends to the storm.
These unfortunate circumstances are why having a safe space for your belongings and yourself is essential. Storage units can provide a secure place to keep your belongings while you focus on rebuilding your home. Knowing that your cherished items are protected can offer a small but significant sense of relief and stability amid such devastation.
Role of Storage Units in Disaster Response
While using a storage unit before a tornado is always a great option due to disaster insurance, it also serves as a valuable resource after a tornado. Here are the top three ways renting a storage unit can be helpful during this time:
- Temporary Storage for Salvaged Belongings: If your home has significant damage or flooding, it might take some time before you can move back in. Storage units provide a secure place for your belongings during the rebuilding process. You can safely store essential documents, passports, family heirlooms, furniture, and other valuable items to ensure they are not lost or further damaged during this period.
- Support for Relief Organizations: For those helping the community, storage units can act as a base for relief supplies like food, water, and clothing. Non-profit organizations, local charities, and churches can utilize storage units for collecting, organizing, and distributing supplies. With multiple locations throughout a town, storage facilities can offer convenient access in areas most affected by the disaster.
- Safe Space for Personal Items: Unfortunately, crime rates can increase during crises and natural disasters. Desperation or the opportunity to exploit vulnerable communities can lead to theft. Storing personal items in a storage unit can provide peace of mind, keeping them safe from theft or further damage. This additional layer of protection ensures you do not have to replace any more items lost during the tornado.
Utilizing Self-Storage During Long-term Rebuilding Efforts
Rebuilding after a tornado takes a collaborative effort from the community. Helping hands across the community come together to restore broken locations. Our Central Texas community has seen this firsthand through the resilience of Jarrell, Texas, following the devastating tornado in 1997 that claimed 27 lives. After all the destruction, the community rallied together to rebuild its infrastructure and create the growing population that the city now has.
The same united efforts it took to rebuild Jarrell can also be applied to smaller-scale scenarios. From volunteer efforts to providing construction supplies, storage units can be a central location for the tools and materials needed for reconstruction. This central location is especially important for longer-term projects.
For those forced to rebuild their homes and businesses after a tornado, self-storage can help organize the process. You can store furniture, home decor, clothing boxes, electronics, valuables, and more in self-storage while your home or office is getting its fixes. Whether the project is a short month or indefinite, many self-storage facilities offer flexible rental terms that work for any project duration. Look for a facility that offers month-to-month contracts to avoid paying for a storage unit you no longer need after a certain amount of time.
If you experienced flooding after a tornado or need to replace the flooring, check out our recent Renew with Amy blog post on flooring here.
How Self Storage Has Benefited Our Central Texas Community After a Tornado
Having a secure place for storage can help alleviate clutter and reduce stress when the rest of your world feels out of control. We have seen firsthand how this has eased the burden for individuals and families. As a cost-effective solution, it also provides economic relief compared to other temporary options.
Unfortunately, a tornado impacted one of our customers, Candace McLean. We were able to help her get self-storage units during this challenging season for her family. Let’s take a look at what she had to say about her experience using Amy’s Attic Self Storage after a tornado:
“Tanya and Eve were extremely helpful in getting us storage units after the tornado hit our home. They were very helpful, very sympathetic with our situation, and made us laugh when we were extremely stressed! Absolutely the best storage facility around town!”
Candace’s story is just one example of how Amy’s Attic Self Storage can make a real difference in times of need. Our dedicated staff is always ready to assist with our AMY (Always Minding You) Customer Care approach, ensuring you have the support you need, no matter the circumstances. We are committed to providing peace of mind and reliable service to all our customers.
Recent Tornado News in Temple and Belton, Texas
On Wednesday, May 22nd, the Temple and Belton area were hit with an EF2 and an EF1 tornado. The EF2 ‘Temple Tornado’ started at 6:21 p.m. and lasted until 6:26 p.m. with a peak speed of 120 mph. The tornado flipped vehicles, damaged four fire stations, snapped power poles, and damaged or destroyed more than 500 homes and businesses.
Around 6:33 p.m., a second tornado, the EF1 ‘Southeast of Temple Tornado,’ reached wind speeds of 95 mph and ended at 6:35 p.m. Fortunately, there were no fatal or life-threatening injuries, but 30 people suffered minor injuries.
Learn more about the devastating aftermath of the EF2 tornado in the YouTube video below.
Here For You in Central Texas | Amy’s Attic Self Storage
At Amy’s Attic Self Storage, we are committed to fulfilling self-storage needs across Central Texas with our state-of-the-art facilities. Our AMY (Always Minding You) approach aims to spread this same care to our Temple community following the recent tornado.
Our goal is to help with the tornado’s aftermath through our self-storage solutions. That is why we offer one free month of self-storage for those impacted by the tornado. We understand how a tornado can uproot people’s lives. We hope our self-storage solutions can offer community support and show you that Amy’s Attic Self Storage is here for you.
For 20 years and counting, Amy’s Attic Self Storage has proudly served the community of Central Texas through its storage unit solutions. With five locations throughout Central Texas, Amy’s Attic leads the community in residential and business storage solutions. Our State-of-the-Art facilities offer an accessible, secure, and clean storage environment. No one does it better than Amy’s Attic Self Storage. If you are interested in renting a unit or have questions, please visit our website at https://www.amysatticss.com.
Stay prepared against natural disasters in Texas by reading our blog on How a Storage Unit Can Help You Prepare for a Natural Disaster in Texas.
Resources:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/how-many-homes-are-destroyed-by-tornadoes-each-year.html
https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/thunderstorm-forecast-latest-before-memorial-day
https://www.fox4news.com/news/temple-tornado-may-23
https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/faq/#:~:text=The%20biggest%20threat%20to%20living,longer%20believed%20to%20be%20true.
https://www.sscctu.com/blog/crimedisasters#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20when%20someone%20sees,likely%20to%20commit%20criminal%20acts.
https://emsaonline.com/resource-library/summer-safety-tips/the-aftermath-of-a-tornado/#:~:text=Flooding%20is%20a%20very%20real,the%20ground%2C%20creating%20further%20hazards
