It’s that time of year for many parts of the country: peak hurricane season. While the actual timeline for hurricane season runs from June to November, the end of August through the month of September tends to bring the highest potential for these strong storms. As an apartment community, it’s imperative for your team to prepare for the effects of a hurricane well before it becomes a direct threat. The most valuable thing you can do to prepare your community for a hurricane is to create an emergency plan, and share it with everyone living and working there.

Creating a Hurricane Emergency Plan

• When it comes to planning for hurricane season, it is critical to research the policies of your local area. Identify if there is an evacuation policy, and if there is, determine where the designated shelter areas are. Even if your municipality doesn’t require evacuation, there may be instances where your apartment community does, so you need to be able to communicate that information to your residents. Have printed evacuation maps readily available for your residents, including emergency exit information for their apartment building and a list of local shelter locations.

• Have a strategy in place for coordinating the possible shutdown of utilities with your maintenance staff.

• Be sure that you have a large first aid kit available, with plenty of medical supplies for all residents in your community.

• Have flashlights and plenty of batteries on hand, in case of power outages.

• Consider purchasing a portable, wireless cell phone charger for your phone. In the event that phone lines are disconnected, this will provide your community with a method of calling for emergency help if necessary.

• Keep a camera on hand, in the event that you need to take photos of damage once the storm passes.

• Create a checklist for your residents, listing items that they should have on hand in the event of a hurricane. These items include water, non-perishable foods, batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. Don’t forget to remind them to fill up their vehicles’ gas tanks beforehand!

Once your plan has been created, be sure to relay all important information to your residents and staff. Hand out hard copies of your evacuation policy and hurricane checklist to community members, and be available to answer any questions or concerns. Consider implementing a texting program in your community, so you’ll be able to share important updates and emergency information with all of your residents as they happen.

How does your community handle emergency preparedness? Do you have a hurricane plan in place?