3 Stages Regarding Hurricane Preparedness for Property Managers

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Are you ready?

Hurricane Preparedness for Property Managers

Property managers in Tarrytown, TX, need to plan for violent windstorms. Hurricane damage causes major disruption, but conscientious preparation will lessen the fallout. Following these three preliminary phases will streamline recovery and help keep your tenants safe in the event of a hurricane.

1. Compile an Emergency Information Document
Before anything, gather together all hurricane preparedness materials:

• Phone numbers for local fire and police departments
• Location of the nearest hurricane shelter
• Maps of evacuation routes
• Recommended tools and first aid items
• Instructions on how to keep important records safe

Distribute this information in bound, waterproof packets to your tenants. Be certain to include how they may reach you during an emergency and provide multiple contact methods in case of a power outage.

2. Assemble a Team
Assign individuals to handle specific hurricane damage-related tasks. One person should be in charge of assessing the destruction to ready an insurance claim. Another can be responsible for contacting residents, assuring everyone’s security and that essential needs have been met. If flooding is possible, decide who will be given the job of erecting a barrier. Together with your team, revisit your organization’s emergency storm policies to be sure all bases have been covered. Have participants review and summarize their expected duties so you can be positive the plan has been communicated clearly.

3. Prepare Residents
Inform your tenants if they reside in a flood zone and speak with them regarding the proper evacuation protocol. Let residents know what they can do before a hurricane strikes and what duties you plan on handling yourself. Most importantly, stay in control. Doing so creates confidence and prevents panic. Once the storm has passed, hire a storm damage cleanup service that will have everyone saying the property looks “Like it never even happened.”
Property management is difficult enough without sudden natural disasters. Before hurricane damage occurs, become proactive regarding storm readiness to lessen injuries and accelerate the cleanup process.