The Top 10 Items to Include in Your Community's Disaster Preparedness Plan
Disaster preparedness is key for a successful response and recovery process for any community association dealing with an unexpected emergency. Having a plan helps to reduce anxiety and fear among unit owners and board members because it helps you know what to expect and provides a structure to follow.
Below are ten items that every community should include in a disaster preparedness plan.
1. Chain of command for communications. An example of a chain of command for communications would be: board president first point of contact, property manager second point of contact, vice president third point of contact. Alternative methods of communicating should be listed in order of preference.
2. A site plan. Some of the items that should be highlighted on the plan would be lift stations, debris staging areas (one for construction debris and one for landscaping debris), shut off valves, and generators. Lift stations should be serviced in May and June and/or just prior to projected storm; they can have sewage overflow if not serviced in a timely manner. Knowing the location of shut off valves can expedite the response of stopping leaks and minimizing further damage.
3. Copies of insurance policies as well as information on filing claims. These should be included as you may not have timely access to these items in a disaster situation. Having them included helps you initiate the claims process and provides you with coverage information on hand.
4. Debris management instructions. Include a list of three vendors, in order of preference, to be contacted along with alternatives. A staging area for debris should be selected should the local dumps be closed to all vendors except for FEMA.
5. Evacuation plans, shelters, pet friendly shelters, generator powered gas stations and grocery stores. All of these should be listed in the plan. Having this information included provides for a structured evacuation if needed and helps expedite processes.
6. All contact information for board members, property manager, insurance agent, debris removal vendor and your law firm. Contact information should list alternative means of communication in case cell phone towers are not available. This information could list land line phone numbers first, cell phone numbers second and then hand-held radios, for an example.
7. An owner list. It is beneficial to sort alphabetically and by address for ease in determining owners’ contact information.
8. Designated area for residents to meet for more information after the disaster. For example, residents could be notified to meet at the community pool or clubhouse daily at noon for community updates. Response to the property should commence after the “all clear” has been issued by the county’s emergency management agency and/or the state’s department of emergency management. Response efforts should be listed in order of priority with people assigned to monitor each stage.
9. Photos of the community. This includes common elements, common areas and key components, preferably with a date stamped camera.
10. Processes to follow if utilities are down or buildings are condemned for occupancy. Be sure to also include contact information for professional engineers or contractors who can inspect the structures and assess the severity of damage.
Should you desire assistance with developing a disaster plan for your community, consult an emergency management professional via the county or state agency for emergency management. This plan is best developed in conjunction with your property manager and preferred vendors after obtaining information from emergency management professionals.It is good to have a hard copy of the plan and contents as well as an electronic copy.
Should you desire more information about emergency preparedness and/or assistance with developing a disaster plan for your community association, feel free to contact me at wmurray@associagulfcoast.com or 239-425-9920 or download our 2018 Hurricane Guide now!