HURRICANE CHECKLISTS: WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER THE STORM
.jpg)
In anticipation of Friday's webinar, here is the first in our two-part checklists for community associations.
Becker & Poliakoff's 12-point Hurricane Preparedness Checklist includes the following tips for those who need to prepare their communities for the upcoming hurricane season:
- Disaster Plan – Do a risk analysis of potential consequences of a storm and develop a complete disaster plan, designating a responsible community member as Disaster Plan Coordinator and another as Information Facilitator to field queries and respond to from community members;
- Evacuation Routes - Establish clear building or community evacuation routes and be sure that all community members are provided with copies or printouts and that routes are clearly marked as storms approach; conduct building or community evacuation drills in the weeks leading up to hurricane season;
- Emergency Generators & Supplies – Be sure emergency generators are in working order and have adequate fuel supplies, stock a building or community emergency supplies storeroom with flashlights, batteries, water and other necessities for residents and employees in the aftermath of a tropical storm;
- Backup Computer Files – Be sure that computer files crucial to running the building and association are backed up to CDs or Portable Storage Devices and keep a list of office computer hardware and software vendors and repairmen in case computers crash or systems fail;
- Secure the Premises – Make preparations for routine lockdown of the building or other facilities as a storm approaches, so the building is secure during the storm and safe from vandalism or looting if a hurricane strikes;
- List of Owners & Employees – Have on hand a current, hard-copy reference list complete with the names all property owners, emergency contact numbers and details of second residence addresses, as well as a list of all association employees, with full contact details;
- Photograph or Video Premises – Keep a visual record through video or photographs of premises, facilities and buildings to facilitate damage assessment and speed damage claims in a storm aftermath;
- Building and Facilities Plans – Make sure a complete set of building or community plans are readily available for consultation by first-responders, utilities workers and insurance adjusters following a storm;
- Insurance Policies & Agent Details – Be sure all insurance policies are current and coverage is adequate for community property, facilities and common areas and compliant with State Law; full contact details for insurance companies and agents should be readily available in the event of a storm;
- Bank Account Details & Signatories – Keep handy a list of all bank account numbers, branch locations and authorized association signatories, and make contingency plans for back-up signatories in case evacuation or relocation becomes necessary;
- Mitigation of Damages – In the immediate aftermath of a storm, take the necessary steps to mitigate damages -- this includes "Drying- In," which is the placement of tarps on openings in the roof and plywood over blown out doors and windows, and " Drying –Out," which is the removal of wet carpet and drywall to prevent the growth of mold; and,
- Debris Removal – Have a plan for speedy removal of debris by maintenance staff, outside contractors or civic public works employees, should a hurricane topple trees and leave debris in its wake.
Learn more valuable tips during the free webinar Anatomy of a Disaster Claim, presented by Board Certified Construction Law attorneys and special guest engineer Rick Slider. Return to this site for a checklist of items for communities to consider immediately after a storm.
