Plan for Hurricane Season

By Michael S. Bender, Esq., BCS / Published June 2022

As with each year, we hope for a season with no hurricanes coming our way. However, it is safe to expect that there may be at least one such event in the coming months, and at the start of the hurricane season, it is prudent to plan for that possibility. Some of the planning steps that should be considered include the following:

• Create a disaster plan and establish off-site contact information and meeting points.
• Establish evacuation routes and conduct building or community evacuation drills in the weeks immediately before and during hurricane season.
• Verify that emergency generators and supplies operate and that fuel, flashlights, batteries, water, and other necessities are available.
• Back up computer files and store information off site, in case computers crash or systems fail.
• Secure the premises. Make preparations for routine lockdown of the building(s) or other facilities as a storm approaches, so the building(s) is(are) secure during the storm and safe from vandalism or looting if a hurricane strikes.
• Write a list of owners and employees. Have on hand a current, hard-copy reference list complete with the names of 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 the 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. Consider having the premises evaluated by appropriate professionals to establish the conditions prior to any hurricane event. (See further details on this item below.)
• Make a building and facilities plan. Make sure a complete set of building or community plans are readily available for consultation by first responders, utility workers, and insurance adjusters following a storm.
• Check all insurance policies and agent details. Be sure all insurance policies are current; coverage is adequate for community property, facilities, and common areas; and it is compliant with State law. Full contact details for insurance companies and agents should be readily available in the event of a storm.
• Maintain bank account details and 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.
• Prepare to mitigate 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.
• Remove debris. Have a plan for the speedy removal of debris by maintenance staff, outside contractors, or public works employees should a hurricane topple trees and leave debris in its wake.
• Reach out to your professionals. Be in touch with your management team and legal counsel to assist in guiding you in making fully informed business decisions to best protect your community.

Michael Bender

Board Certified Specialist, Kaye Bender Rembaum

     Michael Bender is a board certified specialist in condominium and planned development law with more than 23 years in community association law and representation. He serves on the Community Associations Institute (CAI) board of directors, serves as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Alliance (FLA), and is the Legislative Liaison to the Broward Coalition. He is also a frequent lecturer to board members, LCAMs, and other industry professionals. Mr. Bender was recently selected to serve on an Industry Task Force (RESET), working with the Governor to responsibly reopen Florida. For more information email info@KBRlegal.com or visit www.KBRlegal.com.