U-Haul offers free storage at 54 facilities in response to hurricane

U-Haul says it is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage at 54 facilities across Tampa Bay and Florida to residents who will be impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall north of Tampa Bay in the Big Bend region of Florida, but storm surges are expected well south of that, all the way to Sarasota.

Accessibility to secure self-storage is always beneficial to communities before and after natural disasters, U-Haul officials say in a news release.

"The National Hurricane Center is warning residents to prepare for strong storm surges and forceful winds," says Bob Magyar, president of U-Haul Co. of West Tampa. "Having an emergency plan in place is important. U-Haul is helping by making locations available where folks can store their belongings free for up to a month."

The U-Haul disaster relief program applies to new self-storage unit rentals and is based on availability at each facility, company officials say.  People seeking more information or needing to arrange 30 days of free self-storage should contact the nearest participating facility.