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🚨Handling STR Emergencies: What to Do in Case of Fire, Flood, or Power Outage

Stay prepared for the unexpected with practical steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. From fires to floods to sudden blackouts, knowing what to do can make all the difference.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

September 29th, 2025

Good evening STR Report Community!

In today’s issue, you will find:

📱Today’s Article: 🚨 Handling STR Emergencies: What to Do in Case of Fire, Flood, or Power Outage

📈 Trending Market Highlight: Dallas, Texas and Houston, Texas

✉️ STR News: TikTok launches travel ads to target trip bookings

💸 Mortgage Rate Watch

🚞 Unique Airbnb of the Week

🏫 Subscriber Perks: Go Live Playbook, including: Beginner’s Guide E-Book, Guest Communication Messaging Templates, Airbnb Welcome Guide Template, STR Buy Box Template, & Tax Savings E-Book

Community Perks: Top-Tier Property Management, Personal Airbnb Investment Finder, and STR Loans & More

📬 See our collection of newsletters here: Prior Newsletters

🚨Handling STR Emergencies: What to Do in Case of Fire, Flood, or Power Outage

Emergencies can happen without warning. Whether it’s a fire, flood, or power outage, knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can make a major difference in your safety and the safety of those around you. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare and act when the unexpected strikes.

Stay Calm Chill Out GIF by Stan.

🔥 In Case of Fire

  • Sound the Alarm & Call for Help: Activate the nearest fire alarm if available, and call emergency services immediately.

  • Evacuate Safely: Leave the building using the nearest safe exit—never use elevators. Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation.

  • Assist Others if Possible: Help those with mobility challenges, but do not delay your own evacuation if it puts you in danger.

  • Do Not Re-enter: Wait for clearance from fire officials before returning to the building.

Tip: Keep a fire extinguisher in your home or office and learn how to use it properly.

Preparation can also save lives. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home or workplace and test them monthly. Practice fire drills regularly with your family or colleagues so everyone knows the fastest escape routes. Having a designated meeting point outside ensures you can quickly account for everyone once you’ve evacuated.

🌊 In Case of Flood

  • Move to Higher Ground: Avoid low-lying areas, basements, or any space prone to flooding.

  • Turn Off Utilities: If it’s safe, shut off electricity and gas to prevent hazards.

  • Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk or drive through floodwaters—they can conceal dangerous debris, contamination, or strong currents.

  • Stay Informed: Listen to weather alerts and follow official evacuation orders.

Tip: Keep an emergency kit with bottled water, flashlights, and non-perishable food ready.

Preparation begins well before heavy rains arrive. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing sump pumps, sealing basements, and elevating critical utilities like water heaters and electrical panels. Keep important documents in waterproof containers, and know the location of community shelters in case you need to relocate quickly.

⚡ In Case of Power Outage

  • Stay Calm & Use Flashlights: Avoid candles to reduce fire risk.

  • Unplug Electronics: Prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored.

  • Keep Refrigeration Closed: Limit opening refrigerators/freezers to preserve food.

  • Check on Neighbors: Especially the elderly or those who rely on electrically powered medical devices.

Tip: Have backup batteries, a portable charger, and a manual can opener available at all times.

Power outages can last from minutes to days. To be ready, consider investing in a generator or backup power source, especially if you rely on medical devices. Stockpile extra blankets during colder months and have a plan for alternative cooking methods such as a camping stove or grill—used outdoors only. Staying connected to news updates via a battery-powered radio can also keep you informed when the internet is down.

Final Thoughts

Preparation is key. Create an emergency plan with your family or workplace team, review it regularly, and ensure everyone knows evacuation routes and meeting points. Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.

Dallas, Texas

Downloadable Dallas, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report

Dallas STR Market Report.pdf711.14 KB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $289.36 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 53.79%%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $56,592 per year

Read our full Dallas, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

Houston, Texas

Downloadable Houston, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report

Houston STR Market Report.pdf1.41 MB • PDF File
  • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $258.51 per night

  • Occupancy Rate: 50.02%

  • Annual Revenue Potential: Around $50,169 per year

Read our full Houston, Texas Short-Term Rental Market Report attached above.

📬 See our collection of 80+ market reports here: Prior Trending Market Reports

💼 Airbnb to Hold First National Host Summit as Policy Shifts Create Friction
It's a critical moment for Airbnb to do some explaining — and listening — to its largest hosts about policy changes. Many of the policy tweaks also dramatically affect individual hosts, who won't be represented.

📱TikTok launches travel ads to target trip bookings
TikTok has launched a new set of advertising products designed to capture travel bookings directly through its platform, expanding its role in the travel and hospitality sector.

 Airbnb’s Categories Were Meant to Reinvent the Search Box – Now They’re Gone
Category search lost its utility for Airbnb when it expanded beyond one product, homes. It was telling that none of Airbnb's online travel agency multi-product rivals implemented their own version of Category search, which Airbnb touted as being so innovative.

💸Mortgage Rate Watch – September 29th, 2025

Current Mortgage Rates (as of September 29, 2025):

  • 30-Year Fixed: 6.38 % (+0.00 %)

  • 15-Year Fixed: 5.90 % (+0.00 %)

  • 30-Year Jumbo: 6.28 % (−0.01 %)

  • 30-Year FHA: 6.07 % (−0.02 %)

  • 30-Year VA: 6.09 % (−0.01 %)

  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 5.84 % (+0.02 %)

Market Overview: Rates held mostly steady today, with the 30-year fixed rate unchanged from its prior value at 6.38%. Mortgage News Daily notes that volatility could increase in the near term depending on evolving expectations around a potential government shutdown and its impact on economic reports. Meanwhile, 15-year fixed rates have inched upward, likely reflecting shifts in shorter-duration treasury yields and lender risk pricing.

Rate Trends & Forecast:

  • Short-Term: Expect rates to remain in a tight band unless there’s a strong surprise in inflation, jobs, or Treasury yields. Given the suspension of many key economic reports in the event of a shutdown, bond markets may drive more of the near-term rate action than fundamentals.

  • Long-Term: Without sustained macro weakness or inflation deceleration, significant downward moves may be limited. That said, if markets gain clarity on fiscal risks and inflation softens, mortgage rates could drift lower—especially in the latter part of 2025.

    For real-time mortgage rate updates, visit Mortgage News Daily.

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Subscriber Perks:

📖🏡💰 Go Live Playbook

The "Go Live Playbook" is your all-in-one guide featuring a beginner’s guide e-book, messaging templates, Airbnb welcome book, STR buy box template, and tax savings tips to kickstart your short-term rental success.

Community Perks with The STR Report

🏠 Top-Tier Property Management – Lower fees, higher payouts, and premium service. Built for investors who want performance and peace of mind. See how much more your property could earn—click to get your free performance assessment.

🔎 Personal Airbnb Investment Finder – Connect with an expert to handpick profitable Airbnb properties that match your criteria. With 213+ successful deals, all cash-flowing, you’re in good hands. Take 15 seconds to fill out the form to see how all of these properties are experiencing a 10-15% Cash-on-Cash return.

🤑 STR Loans & More – Need funding for your next short-term rental? Expect expert guidance, personalized service, and the best possible rates.

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