HOA Community Emergency Preparedness

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HOA Community Emergency Preparedness

4 Phases of Emergency Preparedness in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

We are in the middle of the official hurricane season for 2023. Though we have not had a storm yet, we know how quickly things can change and how fast an emergency can arise.

For the safety of community members, HOAs should implement an emergency preparedness plan for the community.

Here are 4 phases of emergency preparedness to help the community.

  • Emergency Planning Phase: This plan may not be needed, but in the event of an emergency, residents should have a plan to effectively exit the community. “If the emergency officials call for an evacuation, then evacuate,” Paul K Mengert C.E.O. Association Management Group. If there are new residents, they could benefit from a map of the community with entrance and exit points noted. In this plan, providing residents with a list of local shelters is essential. Let’s not forget shelters specific for the elderly, disabled, and pets.

  • Initial aftermath Assessment Phase: It is important for leaders and community members to remain in place and stay safe until emergency officials give the clear to go out. Residents may be without power for a few days. During this time emergency management officials, power company workers, and others may be in the community assessing damage and safety issues. Power trucks may be working to restore power. During the aftermath of an emergency, it is important to follow instructions from officials.

  • Emergency Response Phase: How quickly will your community get help in an emergency? If a disaster should occur, does your HOA Board have a designated person to coordinate with local police, fire, and emergency officials to get relief into the community?  If your local police and fire department offers safety education, it would be helpful to have them come to an open association meeting and speak to the attendees about safety protocol in the event of a community emergency.

  • Community Recovery Phase: Following a disaster, rapid response is important. This may include having agencies readily available that provide food, water, and shelter to residents, and help repair damaged homes. How can the HOA board help the community recover from a disaster? Does your HOA have resources set aside for financial assistance? This may include immediate cleanup and repair of common areas, assistance to pay for tree removal companies to help in getting up downed trees, and a cleanup crew to assist with debris on community streets and sidewalks following a storm or emergency.

Hurricane season does not end officially until November 30, 2023. It is not too late to create an emergency response plan in your HOA.

“Before a storm arrives, I want to encourage all community leaders and homeowners to make their own emergency kit. Most experts encourage you to have one or two days of water on hand. At Association Management Group we have worked hard to develop approaches to administrative, fiscal, and physical problems.”  Paul Mengert, C.E.O of Association Management Group

Household Emergency Disaster Kit Checklist

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered radio  

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

  • Manual can opener (for food)

  • Nonperishable foods

  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

You may download a complete checklist at https://www.ready.gov/kit