It seems hard to believe, but we’re once again at the start of Florida’s hurricane season. This year is predicted to be an active one for hurricanes and tropical storms, with experts saying Florida could see a major strike.
Is your association ready for this year’s storm season? Board members are entrusted with keeping their communities safe and secure from all types of disasters. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to ensure your community is safe from a natural disaster.
Top Priorities: People, Places, and Things
Resident safety should be your #1 goal! Make sure everyone knows how and where to shelter in place during heavy rains, high winds, and flooding. Distribute printed hurricane safety checklists to each household and make sure they’re also posted on bulletin boards and the community website.
Keeping the property safe is critical to everyone’s safety, too. Steps you can take to minimize property damage include:
- Storm shutter infrastructure is in place.
- Maintenance personnel & residents know how to use shutters and to put them in place during a Hurricane Watch.
- Remove dangerous tree limbs.
- Secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside.
If you don’t already have official hurricane preparedness regulations in place, discuss them at your next HOA board meeting.
Keep Residents Updated, Especially During Hurricane Season
Some association members are lax about staying on top of emergency updates. It’s critical to develop a system where you can notify them quickly about what to expect and do. Offer plenty of resources to residents new to living in Florida, too, such as where the local emergency food distribution center is located and what to do in the case of an evacuation.
A terrific resource is put out by the NOAA, which includes videos on everything from assembling disaster supplies to developing an evacuation plan.
Finally, keep in mind that the community may lose power during a hurricane, so having a backup generator is a good idea.
Minimize Damage to Common Areas
Designate specific tasks like securing furniture and clearing debris to appropriate people ahead of time. A detailed checklist and proper delegation ensure everything’s taken care of and you’ve done your best to protect your community’s shared property.
Secure Important Data
Nearly every community now has multiple technologies it uses to prepare, store, and distribute documentation. Many employ on-site or cloud servers to backup personal and financial records. Make sure all your files are backed up, preferably in two or more places, including the cloud.
Be Ready to Deal with a Storm’s Aftermath
Is your association ready to manage the repercussions of a major storm or hurricane? Things to think about include having the right tools and equipment on hand for storm cleanup. You might also consider keeping a contact list of local professionals like landscapers, plumbers, and electricians who can help out.
If there’s major damage to the community following a storm, you’ll likely need to deal with the association’s insurer. Make filing insurance claims easier and smoother by taking photos beforehand. And while you’re at it, review the insurance policy to ensure it provides the coverage your community needs.
Lastly, once the storm has passed, reach out to your residents to ensure they’re okay and help them record and discover damages. Ask if there’s any support you can offer, and then follow through with what you’ve promised.
Develop a Hurricane Plan
There are always enormous risks involved with unpredictable natural disasters, so planning for hurricane season can be a challenging task. Investing the time and energy it takes to prepare an HOA natural disaster plan gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your community can weather any storm.
