Help Your Community through the Storm

When hurricane season rolls around, it's a frightening and busy time for many different areas of the country. Homeowners need to make sure that their properties are safe from any potential storm and hurricane damage. This is also important for homeowner's associations. Hurricane season for an HOA presents specific challenges. To make sure the property and the residents are safe, having a policy that details hurricane season readiness is important. Creating a policy that covers what will happen before, during, and after the hurricane is essential, and it's relatively easy to do.

Each HOA is different and will have different regulations in place for dealing with hurricane season. It often depends on their location, as well as the size of the complex and HOA. You can't wait until you hear about an impending hurricane before you try to get the HOA to take action. It has to happen now, when there are no threats. This is the best time to put the policy together and to roll it out to everyone in the community. Those who already have a plan in place should periodically look at it and make any necessary updates.

Involve the Community

Those who are a part of the community need to know about your checklist for pre, during, and post storm activities. People need to know what they should be doing during a hurricane, what type of precautions they need to take, and what parts of the building might be off limits during those times. For example, in extreme weather, people may not be able to use the elevators in the building.

Notify the Residents

Make sure the residents are aware of any potential storms that are coming through the area and that could cause problems and displacement. Place the information on bulletin boards in the community, as well as on the HOA's website. Also provide procedures for evacuation and what they should do before, during, and after the storm.

In addition, talk with the residents before the storm arrives to learn who will be staying and who will be leaving. This information will come in handy after the storm when trying to locate residents to make sure they are safe. You can look for volunteers as well. They can help you fill sandbags and get the complex ready for the storm.

Consider Digitizing Documents

If you have any records onsite, make sure that they are out of the danger area well before the storm arrives. A good way to eliminate this problem is to digitize the majority of your documents and keep them in the cloud. This ensures their safety.

Get the Common Areas Ready

Consider installing shutters on the windows of the common area. Also remove any furniture and items that are outside and that could blow away in the event of a storm. Find indoor areas for these items. Having fewer potential projectiles outside can help to reduce the damage to the surrounding buildings.

Test the Generator

If you have a generator on the property, make sure you test it to make sure it is in good working order before the storm hits. If the power were to go out, you don't want to suddenly find out that your generator doesn't work.

These are some of the simplest and best tips for helping to get an HOA ready for hurricane season so it can come through safely. If you want to know more about ways to improve your HOA, get in touch with us today.