Forecasters in South Florida are keeping an eye on Hurricane Irma that has a very high potential for coming towards South Florida. If this system, as expected, does come by South Florida we will feel its effects. The time to get ready is now.
It is important that you are aware of what you need to do in case of a storm and understand how the Association will also prepare your community. This report has also been written to help you take precautions to protect your family and property. Please take a moment to read this very important information.
Your Association would like to ensure that all unit owners receive as much information as possible to aid in the preparation for an upcoming storm. The following links will aid you in those preparations.
http://www.floridadisaster.org/
South Florida television station websites also include hurricane preparedness links. You may also visit alliedpropertygroup.net/latest-news for hurricane guides and preparedness lists.
Implement as many precautions as practical in advance, such as removing all furniture from the balconies and patios, removing and securing all outside items that might become missiles during the storm, closing hurricane shutters and placing towels on window sills and on the bottom of all sliding glass doors. If your home is on a lakefront, you may want to purchase sand bags should the lake rise.
Please note that all Hurricane Shutters must be removed after a hurricane unless there is an imminent hurricane threat behind it. Check your association’s Rules and Regulations, as the time allotted for removal may differ.
Please be advised that at the time of a “Hurricane Watch” management and its personnel will begin to secure the association’s common areas. All personnel – Manager, maintenance, and administrative assistants will work maintaining the association common areas. When a Hurricane Watch has been issued and the hurricane remains an imminent threat, the essential personnel will shut down the property’s equipment such as clubhouse, pool / spa equipment, irrigation pumps and make sure that the Association’s ornamental landscaping has been secured and/or removed. This will help assure your systems will be operational after weather conditions return to normal and power has been restored. After the shut down has been completed, our essential personnel will evacuate in the same manner and time frame that all governmental essential services do.
Please make arrangements in advance as to where you will stay during an evacuation. Remember that pets are not allowed in all evacuation centers. Contact your assigned evacuation center in advance to pre-register and make plans for you and your pets.
Leaving town for any length of time during hurricane season? BEFORE YOU GO: remove all balcony / patio furniture, plants, loose objects and assign a nearby relative or friend to close the shutters. In the event of a storm, do not rely on the association’s staff to make preparations for your individual home; their time will be dedicated to securing the community’s common areas.
PLAN TO EVACUATE
Most important: Check to see if your community is located in an evacuation zone. When an evacuation order is issued, EVERYONE must evacuate the community and go to your community’s assigned shelter. An evacuation area is no place to be during a hurricane. Employees and residents are ALL expected to evacuate. There will be no emergency services during a storm, and authorities will not be available to help you.
At the time a call for evacuation has been issued, the Association employees will conclude the procedures to prepare the community common areas and clubhouse for the storm and leave. Once an evacuation order is given, you should be packed and prepared to leave.
Your city officials advise the elderly or handicapped residents not to wait for the official evacuation order. Please leave early.
AFTER THE HURRICANE
All essential personnel will return to your property as soon as physically possible after an all clear has been issued by governmental authorities.
Please be prepared. If you have any questions, please contact the management office at (305) 232-1579.
