North Carolina Self-Storage Operators Face Fallout of Hurricane Helene

Self-storage operators in North Carolina are beginning to recover from the severe impact of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding and structural damage, particularly in the Asheville area and farther west toward Tennessee.

As recovery efforts progress, communication has been challenging due to downed power lines and disrupted phone services. Facility operators are working diligently to assess the condition of their properties and support any customers who have been affected, underscoring the storm’s devastating impact on local communities.

“We know some members were impacted, but there’s been no communication to that part of the state,” said Sally Novak, executive director of the North Carolina Self Storage Association (NCSSA). “It's been impossible to reach out to our members there and ask if help is needed because there’s no cell service or power. It’s still a life-or-death situation.”

SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc., a self-managed real estate investment trust, announced that 15 of its Asheville properties were temporarily closed last weekend due to the storm, with one suffering severe flooding. Facilities in several other markets were also closed. Several locations sustained minimal damage and have since reopened, while others are opening as the company ensures the safety of its buildings and employees, according to a press release.

“Our thoughts are with all the employees, customers and communities affected by the recent storm surge and flooding. The safety and well-being of our team and customers is our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to support those impacted,” said H. Michael Schwartz, chairman and CEO of SmartStop. “While this has been a challenging time, we are already seeing incredible resilience and teamwork as we begin the process of cleaning up and making necessary repairs.”

Storage Asset Management (SAM), a self-storage management and consulting company, has nearly 90 properties that were potentially affected by the storm, with 38 directly in its path. Facilities managed by the company suffered power outages, roof leaks, fallen trees, damaged fences and flooding.

“Fortunately, no one was injured, and by and large, the properties avoided very serious damage,” said Christopher J. Grenier, director of operations for SAM sites in the Southeast. “Determining what was happening with the storm at any given time was a challenge. Traveling to many locations was difficult due to downed trees, flooding and road closures.

“One significant challenge was locating vendors who could promptly clear debris and handle repairs,” Grenier continued. “This situation highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with vendors and contacting them before the storm to ensure our properties were prioritized.”

10 Federal Storage LLC, which operates more than 75 self-storage facilities in the Southeast including many in North Carolina, reported that its sites escaped largely unscathed, with some signage and a few small trees affected. Company president Andrew Capranos credited pre-storm planning for playing a key role in minimizing the impact.

“The combination of proactive preparation, strong communication and remote-management capabilities ensured that we were able to respond quickly and effectively,” Capranos said. “I would highly recommend other operators focus on preparedness and operational flexibility in the face of natural disasters.”

Numerous self-storage operators have already offered to provide relief to local businesses and residents most impacted by the storm. For example, 10 Federal is offering 50% off for the first three months of rent, while U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage at 437 locations in 10 states, including at 50 in North Carolina. [remove return] Twenty-eight SAM-managed facilities in Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina are extending two months of free storage.

Inside Self-Storage has provided information about how to prepare your facility for a hurricane and a guide for the steps to take to keep your people and property safe following a natural disaster.

Founded in 2010 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, 10 Federal is a diversified real estate company that also operates multi-family properties. Its self-storage portfolio of owned and managed facilities comprises more than 3 million net-rentable square feet.

The NCSSA is comprised of owners and operators whose facilities range from one unit to multiple facility owners with thousands of rental units. Membership also includes strategic partners that represent vendors who serve the industry, as well as individuals who are interested in getting involved.

Founded in 2010 by Alyssa Quill and Jay Hoke, SAM manages nearly 600 facilities nationwide. It’s based in York, Pennsylvania.

SmartStop owns or manages 200 self-storage facilities in 22 U.S. states, comprising 16 million rentable square feet. The company and its affiliates also own or manage 35 storage properties in Canada totaling 3.2 million rentable square feet.

Sources:
Bakersfield.com - SmartStop Self Storage Announces Update on Store Operations Impacted by Hurricane Helene Storm Surge
North Carolina Department of Public Safety – Hurricane Helena
North Carolina Self Storage Assocation - Website
U-Haul - Hurricane Helene: U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage at 437 Locations