A Storm Prep Checklist for Monroe Apartment Renters

Severe weather can arrive quickly. A little preparation now can make a big difference later. Start by gathering essential supplies and storing them in an easy-to-reach place. You do not need to buy everything at once. Build your kit over a few shopping trips.

Focus on items that will help you stay safe and comfortable if you lose power or water for a day or two. Keep these supplies together in a bin or backpack. Check them every few months to replace expired items like batteries or medications.

High winds can turn everyday items into dangerous projectiles. Walk through your apartment and look for anything that could move, fall, or break. Secure loose items inside cabinets and drawers. Move valuables and electronics away from windows.

Your balcony or patio is a key area to secure. Bring all loose items indoors. This includes patio furniture, grills, potted plants, door mats, and decorations. If you cannot bring something heavy inside, try to secure it firmly to a sturdy railing with strong cord, if your lease allows. Never leave anything unsecured outside that the wind could pick up.

Important papers can be hard to replace if they are damaged by water. Gather critical documents and put them in a waterproof bag or container. A large resealable plastic bag works well. You can keep this with your emergency supplies or grab it quickly if you need to leave.

Consider making digital copies of key documents. Take clear photos or scans and store them securely in a cloud service or on a password-protected flash drive. This gives you a backup if the physical copies are lost.

Power outages are common during severe storms. Charge all your electronic devices fully before the storm arrives. This includes phones, laptops, tablets, and backup battery packs. If you have a vehicle, keep its gas tank at least half full. It can serve as a backup power source to charge devices.

Know how you will get emergency alerts. Enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone. Identify local radio stations that broadcast weather updates. Agree on a communication plan with family or roommates in case you are separated or cell service is disrupted. Text messages often go through when phone calls cannot.

When the storm hits, stay inside. Close all windows, blinds, and curtains to protect against broken glass. Avoid windows and exterior doors. Choose a small, windowless interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level of your building as your safe spot.

Listen to your radio or official alerts for updates. Do not go outside during the peak of the storm, even if things seem calm. Conditions can change in an instant. Use flashlights instead of candles. If you lose power, unplug major appliances and electronics to protect them from potential power surges when electricity returns.

Wait for official word that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside. Be cautious when you first exit your apartment. Watch for downed power lines, broken glass, and debris. Check your apartment carefully for any damage.

Document any damage you find immediately. Take clear, dated photographs or videos. Do not touch or attempt to repair electrical hazards, major structural damage, or broken gas lines. Report these issues right away through the proper channel.

Report any storm-related damage to your apartment promptly. For current Braud Properties residents, use the Buildium Resident Center portal to submit a maintenance request. This is the established channel for non-emergency repairs. Describe the damage clearly, note it is storm-related, and attach your photos.

If the damage creates an immediate threat to life, safety, or property—like a gas leak, major structural collapse, or live electrical wires—call 911 first. For other urgent issues that are not 911 emergencies, report them through the resident portal with clear details on the location and severity. The contact form on the website is not monitored for emergencies or maintenance requests.