Hurrican Sandy Assistance

The staff and board of the New Jersey Self Storage Association (NJSSA) would like to extend our best wishes and continued concern for all those in the New Jersey area affected by Hurricane Sandy. Below is a checklist and contact information for agencies that are available to help businesses in New Jersey.


Business Recovery Check List

Most business owners are aware of basic steps that should be taken before a hurricane, such as backing up computer files and having a preparedness plan. However, after a large storm, you have no idea what condition your business will be in. To keep the business flow as continuous as possible, you need to know what to do right after the hurricane.

What to do after a disaster?

  • Contact insurance agent or company
  • Have building inspected
  • Contact utilities to restore electric, gas, telephone, and water
  • Re-establish communications with employees, customers and suppliers
  • Assess Damage
    • Note structural, equipment and property damage including inventory, and materials
    • Avoid additional damage by making temporary repairs in order to continue to conduct business at current facility
    • Secure the building if relocation is necessary
  • Cleaning of facility
    • Make sure building is safe before reopening or allowing employees to return
    • Use proper safety items in the clean-up process

Financial Implications

  • File business interruption insurance claim
  • Determine lost income
  • List steps required before the business can reopen
  • Consider financial obligations during interruption, including payroll and debt service
  • Gather the following information for insurance adjusters:
    • Sales records and history
    • Profit and loss statements and income tax forms
  • Maintain records of extra expenses incurred

There are also many state and federal government resources available to businesses. They include:

NJ Office of Emergency Management
NJ State Police Headquarters
PO Box 7058
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000
www.state.nj.us/njoem
New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
P.O. Box 091
Trenton, NJ 08625-0091
609-584-5076 or ohsp@ohsp.state.nj.us
www.state.nj.us/njhomelandsecurity
American Red Cross (ARC)
Contact the local chapter for publications on disaster planning.
American Red Cross Headquarters
2025 E. Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
The ARC offers emergency training, go to
www.redcross.org
Small Business Administration
New Jersey District Office
Two Gateway Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-645-2434
www.sba.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Region II
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
212-680-3600 or toll free 800-621-FEMA

State Government Assistance

For information on emergency planning and technical assistance contact the Business Action Center at 1-866-534-7789. Call Center representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.

The New Jersey Self Storage Association

How we started

In 1993, a legislative proposal was introduced that would have adversely affected the rights of self storage operators to sell tenants' goods after default. A group of far thinking individuals joined together to combat this intrusion into the self storage industry and won! Recognizing that by combining efforts, they could make a difference in their future and impact most any issue, the NJSSA was born.

NJSSA's victories include the defeat of the above referenced legislation, the blocking of an attempt to require interest on self storage security deposits, and the rejection of onerous requirements for environmental testing of individual self-storage units. But most importantly, the NJSSA has gathered strength and influence.

You are invited!

The Officers and Board of the NJSSA invite you to join with other New Jersey self storage owners/operators just like yourself, to be part of the entity that represents your views, fights for you and asserts the positions of your industry whenever necessary.

Our purposes are to . . .

  • Promote a Code of Ethics that encourages good business practices and customer service.
  • Protect the existing lien and tax law status that has fostered industry growth in New Jersey.
  • Sponsor regional "grassroots" seminars periodically to educate those in the industry about legal issues and other topical concerns.
  • Conduct an Annual Educational Seminar/ Convention that brings together New Jersey owner/operators to share common experiences and learn from the industry's top experts.
  • Publish a periodic newsletter to keep members and their staffs current on industry issues and to promote thought and discussion on subjects of interest.
  • Promulgate recommended procedures such as the Model Occupancy Agreement, Auction, Decedents' Estate and Bankruptcy procedures, Late Fees and Delinquent Payment Plans.
  • Function as the industry's VOICE to promote self storage, to defend your rights as independent business persons and to represent the interests of the NJSSA whenever we can!
  • Support, communicate and cooperate with the National Self Storage Association (SSA) and other state Self Storage Associations.