1. Prepare Before a Disaster or Emergency
If you know a major storm or emergency is coming - like a hurricane, flood, or winter storm - a little preparation can make a big difference.
Stay informed: Sign up for local city or county emergency alerts (by text or app) to receive evacuation updates and safety notices.
Create a family communication plan: Make sure everyone knows how to get in touch if you’re separated.
Keep emergency contacts accessible: Save numbers for your property manager, insurance provider, and nearby friends or relatives.
Learn how to turn off utilities: Know where to shut off your main gas, water, and electricity lines in case of flooding or damage.
Prepare your home:
Bring in or secure outdoor items like patio furniture, decorations, or planters before a storm.
Make sure your smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm, and fire extinguisher work properly — and know how to use them.
In freezing conditions, wrap exposed pipes or leave faucets dripping slightly to prevent freezing.
Stock up on essentials: Have a supply of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, basic first aid, and any needed medications.
Plan for medical needs: If anyone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, arrange a backup power source.
Keep documents safe: Store important paperwork (lease, ID, insurance, medical info) in a waterproof folder or secure cloud folder.
Include pets in your plan: Keep them safely indoors or ready to evacuate with you.
Document before the storm: Use RentCheck to complete a quick inspection of your home’s current condition — timestamped photos make insurance claims and repairs much smoother later.
💡 Pro Tip: If you lose power, conserve energy by unplugging electronics and using only essential devices until power is restored.
2. Stay Calm and Prioritize Safety
Your safety and your household’s safety come first.
If you’re ever in danger due to a fire, flood, storm, or other emergency:
Call emergency services (911) immediately.
Follow any local evacuation orders or safety alerts.
Avoid entering areas with standing water, structural damage, or exposed wiring until cleared by professionals.
If you must evacuate, bring your emergency kit and important documents if it’s safe to do so.
3. Contact the Right People
Once you’re safe and the situation is stable, reach out to:
Your Property Manager or Landlord
Let them know about the situation and any visible damage.
Ask if they’ll be sending maintenance or insurance assessors.
Your Renters Insurance Provider
Report any loss or damage as soon as possible.
Ask what documentation or photos they require for your claim.
Use RentCheck before disaster season to capture your home’s current condition. This helps speed up insurance claims and landlord communication if damage occurs later.
Local Disaster Assistance Agencies
Organizations like FEMA, the Red Cross, or your local housing authority may be able to offer temporary shelter or support.
4. Document Your Property’s Condition
Proper documentation protects you and helps resolve any future questions about the property’s condition.
Use the RentCheck mobile app to record clear, timestamped photos and videos of your unit.
Either wait for your property manager to send you an inspection OR create a quick condition check.
Focus on visible damage, such as water marks, mold, broken windows, or ceiling leaks.
Include wide shots of each room and close-ups of affected areas
Share the report with your property manager or insurance provider.
Tip: RentCheck can be used both after a disaster and before one.
In hurricane or flood-prone areas, consider completing a pre-storm inspection to have clear documentation of your property’s condition in advance.
5. Communicate Clearly and Keep Records
Keep a log of all communication related to the incident:
Date and time you reported the damage
Who you spoke to (property manager, insurer, or emergency responder)
Any reference or claim numbers provided
Written records make it easier to follow up and ensure issues are addressed.
6. Plan for Future Emergencies
If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, a little preparation helps protect your home and peace of mind:
Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and basic medical supplies.
Store important documents in a waterproof folder or secure cloud drive.
Know your local evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
Complete a RentCheck inspection at the start of every season or before forecasted severe weather.
✅ Quick Tip
Even if damage seems minor, document everything early - small issues can worsen quickly and may affect your insurance claim or move-out inspection later. RentCheck makes it simple to capture and share that documentation in one place.
🔗 Useful Resources
National Weather Service — for local alerts, forecasts, and official warnings.
Ready.gov — for household preparedness guides and emergency kit checklists.
National Hurricane Center — for live storm tracking and safety guidance.
American Red Cross — for shelter information, recovery resources, and emergency assistance.