When Hurricane Milton made landfall along Florida’s west coast this hurricane season, it left a path of destruction that stretched from Tampa Bay to Daytona Beach. With a significant presence in the region, we at Extra Space Storage faced the storm’s impacts head-on. And as with every challenge we encounter as a team and as a company, passion and teamwork have been the guiding values in navigating this difficult time.
During a recent company-wide update call, Mike Pontillo, our Senior Vice President of Operations, shared an update on our response. “I appreciate everybody’s concern for our team,” he said. “Fortunately, all of our team is safe and accounted for, which is what matters most.” In times of natural disasters, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is always our top priority.
As hurricanes and other natural disasters become increasingly frequent and intense, we’ve adapted our operations to remain resilient. Preparing for events like Hurricane Milton requires a combination of infrastructure, team coordination, and a quick response.
Essential to our efforts are the teams in Disaster Recovery and Risk Management, who work together to support recovery operations and help affected stores and markets navigate disasters. Elisa Ramier, Senior Manager of Disaster Recovery, and Nathan Montour, Senior Claims Manager on our Risk Management team, play key roles in coordinating these efforts. Their collaboration ensures that claims are handled efficiently, recovery plans are executed effectively, and support reaches those who need it most.
The Disaster Recovery team, led by Elisa, was created to provide nationwide support during disasters, enabling us to respond quickly when emergencies arise. While their primary focus is cleanup and repair—which can take months or even longer after significant events—they also take a proactive approach to preparedness. This team works closely with our Facility Services team to identify and prevent potential issues and to ensure disaster preparedness protocols are in place well in advance of storms or emergencies.
“We couldn’t get through scenarios like this if it weren’t for the support of our teams,” Mike shared. He emphasized the dedication of employees across various departments—from our Salt Lake City support teams to Facilities, Risk Management, Learning and Development, the People Team, and many other committed departments and team members—who have worked tirelessly to ensure recovery efforts remain on track.
After Hurricane Milton, the Disaster Recovery team was joined by Florida-based leaders, including Extra Space District Managers, Division Vice Presidents, other senior leaders, and dozens of employees from across the country. Together, they were on the ground visiting impacted sites, addressing urgent issues, and supporting local teams and customers.
“The amount of people who have volunteered to come to the market to support the stores is amazing,” Mike said. “And yet, as I’m sitting here looking at our company compass and values, it’s exactly who we are.”
While the cleanup and recovery efforts continue, Hurricane Milton is a reminder of the importance of preparation and collaboration. As Mike put it, “I wish I could tell you we’ll never need it again. But the reality is, someday we will.”
As Florida rebuilds after Hurricane Milton, we remain committed to our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve. By focusing on safety, preparedness, and teamwork, we’re not only recovering but also setting an example of resilience in the face of adversity.
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