Florida associations are accustomed to preparing for hurricanes, but disaster plans should also account for other catastrophic events where there is often less advance warning, such as tornadoes, active shooter scenarios, and now global pandemics. Relying on outside crisis experts for guidance is crucial to ensure that your association is prepared to handle an unexpected […]
“Batten Down the Hatches: Named Storm-Preparedness for Community Associations” (NC)
If this season is anything like the last, community associations are in for another year of rough, windy seas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), the 2020 season broke records. It featured 30 named storms, including 12 storms that made landfall in the continental United States, and of those 30, 13 developed […]
‘Ham ‘ it up for hurricane season (FL)
Southwest Floridians are all too familiar with power loss during hurricanes and storms, but who’s there to communicate for us in a state of emergency? On Saturday morning in Punta Gorda, the Charlotte Amateur Radio Society collaborated with the Burnt Store Lakes Homeowners Association Community Emergency Response Team to demonstrate how Ham Radio operators can […]
The Plan – Identifying the Potential Consequences of a Disaster (FL)
The first step toward developing and implementing a disaster plan is identifying the potential consequences of a disaster. The second step is to develop and implement a plan to mitigate the impact of a disaster to the fullest extent possible. Read the entire article……………………………….
What Will the Damage Cost? (FL)
A well-designed disaster plan will include safeguards against future risk which are designed to minimize economic and property loss, as well as the loss of human life. It is dangerous to ever become complacent about hurricanes when you live or own property in Florida. Knowing that disasters can occur and being prepared to deal with […]
An $83.8M Program Could Help Hawaiians Who Lost Homes In 2018 Kilauea Eruption
Three years after magma from Kilauea Volcano burst through the ground in Leilani Estates, signaling the start of the historic 2018 eruption, the sights, smells and sounds of the disaster are still vivid to those most impacted by it. Read the entire article……………………………….
Federal Efforts Boost Disaster Assistance for Community Associations
Anyone who has lived in or worked with community associations knows that planning and preparation for natural disasters matters. That is why it is encouraging to see policymakers in Washington, D.C., take steps to make disaster recovery less complicated for common interest communities. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hold a Safety and Security Review for Your Association (NY)
Is your Association simply a business enterprise . . . or is it a community? Of course, it’s both. So along with news of important financial decisions, your Co-op, Condo, or HOA Board would do well to share ideas that will enhance the community’s sense of well-being. Read the entire article……………………………….
Significant Flood Insurance Changes On the Way (NC)
If you or your association are required (or wish) to have flood insurance, big changes are coming. For years, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has looked at ways to better charge specific properties for their specific risks. At present, flood insurance rates are mostly based on a property’s location and elevation. That may not […]
“All Things are Ready if our Emergency Plan Be So” Dealing with Emergency Preparedness in California HOAs
California is used to wildfires. But the Golden State’s record-breaking 2020 wildfire season was particularly brutal. A blistering heat wave fueled dozens of simultaneous fires – conditions that spurred Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a statewide state of emergency. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated from their residences. But, was not – and is […]
Five New Year’s Resolutions to Make in Your Community
In 2020, communities across the globe faced unprecedented challenges, but as the new year begins, there’s hope for a brighter, more predictable future. Having learned from the experiences of 2020, communities can now work towards a successful tomorrow. In doing so, it’s important to resolve to do the things that will set your community association […]
How to Handle Disaster Management for Your HOA
Despite our best efforts, disasters are regular occurrences and are most often out of our control. Whether predicted or unexpected, natural or man-made, disasters can occur without warning, so it’s imperative to have a plan in place. Read the article………………………………
Tips for Developing and Adapting a Strategic Plan for Your Community
As an elected leader of your community, you’re responsible for establishing the direction of the community and allocating resources. To ensure both dollars and human resources get used wisely, you should adopt the practice of setting time aside to develop a strategic plan for your community. Read on to learn more about the benefits of […]
Lake Charlene residents flooded by Hurricane Sally seek to revive FEMA mitigation project (FL)
Last year, a tiny sliver of property in the Lake Charlene community became a political and ideological battleground. Last month, more than two dozen homes became casualties of that battle. Hurricane Sally caused severe flood damage to numerous homes in the Lake Charlene subdivision last month despite a fully-funded plan in place to improve flood […]
After the Storm | The Role of your Association After a Natural Disaster (FL)
There is an eerie quietness that can often be felt after a disaster like a hurricane of flash flooding, the time after the rain has stopped but the sun still hasn’t returned. Returning to business as usual after your community has faced a natural disaster can be difficult, the responsibilities can seem endless but there […]
Ready for the worst: Disaster preparedness for HOAs
Furious wildfires are destroying large swathes of California, Oregon, and other parts of the western United States. Dozens of people have died and thousands have been forced from their homes. The US National Interagency Fire Center has reported that firefighters are battling more than 100 large wildfires across the western U.S., with higher-than-normal levels of […]
Strategic Planning Tips for Your Community Organization
Community organization boards always have something new to handle every day. It can all pile up and prove overwhelming, so formulate a strategic plan to ensure that everything runs smoothly no matter what comes up. Strategic planning essentially involves setting and scheduling the organization’s affairs and activities in an organized manner to maximize efficiency and […]
Five HOAs join fight for Cypress Creek flood remediation (TX)
Adamek knows flooding and he knows transportation and isn’t fooled by the pat answers and chicanery he hears at meetings. A retired engineer from General Electric, he works part-time in Washington, D. C. for the Department of Transportation. One of his first orders of business was to put some more strength behind efforts he and […]
Hurricane Season Checklist for Florida Community Associations
Florida’s official hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30 – that’s six months out of the year. As we head into the busiest part of the season, weather patterns can be unpredictable and quickly shift from pleasant to severe. This is why hurricane preparation should be a critical component of community association operations. […]
Continuity Planning for Michigan Community Associations
During this time of economic uncertainty and concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic, community associations should take an ‘inventory’ of the current conditions of the association and have a continuity plan in place just in case something tragic happens. For example, what happens if the President of the Board of Directors suddenly passes away? Read the […]
Three years after Harvey, Kingwood continues to battle for flood mitigation (TX)
Three years ago, Hurricane Harvey inundated much of the Kingwood area after Lake Houston and the San Jacinto River overflowed and deposited flood waters into thousands of homes and businesses. Established in 1970, Friendswood Development billed Kingwood as The Liveable Forest — a neighborhood on the northeast side of Houston that was lush with trees […]
What to Do Before and After a Hurricane (FL)
Hello, and welcome to Community Association Matters, the podcast that serves homeowner and condominium associations in Florida. And I say Florida now, because we are serving not just Southeast Florida, but also Southwest Florida with offices in both Miami and Fort Myers. So we’re very excited about that opportunity. And as always, our goal here […]
Tropical Storms Marco and Laura: Insurance typically covers some, but not all, damage (LA)
As Tropical Storms Marco and Laura barrel toward Louisiana, you may wonder how well your homeowners or renters insurance will hold up in a natural disaster. The answer largely depends on the disaster. Damage from many calamities are covered by a standard policy, but a handful are not and require separate coverage for protection. Read […]
HOA Emergency Preparedness Plan: How To Plan For Emergencies (OH)
Emergencies and natural disasters can happen at any time, which is why it is important for every HOA to come up with a plan addressing them. Creating an HOA emergency preparedness plan is not always easy, though, especially if you don’t know where to start. Read the article…………………………….
Communicating In A Crisis: Part 2 – The Content Of Communication Pieces And How To Avoid Creating Further Issues (NC)
In Part 1 of Communicating in a Crisis, we discussed ways community association board members can define a crisis, how they should prepare crisis communications, who should put forth these communications and by what means they should be distributed. With those topics covered, we now must move on to perhaps the most important part of […]
Ocean City Condo Complex to Rise Above Flood Level (MD)
Chronic flooding at the Ocean Aire Condominiums is so bad at times that stormwater literally surges as high as the windows. But residents living at the condo complex at 43rd Street and West Avenue in Ocean City’s south end won’t be moving out. They’ll be moving up. Read the article………………………………
Disaster Planning Beyond Hurricanes (FL)
Florida associations are accustomed to preparing for hurricanes, but disaster plans should also account for other catastrophic events where there is often less advance warning, such as tornadoes or even activeshooter scenarios. Read the article………………………………..
Tips for Developing and Adapting a Strategic Plan for Your Association
As a member of your HOA’s board of directors, you’re responsible for establishing the direction of the association and allocating resources. To ensure both dollars and human resources get used wisely, you should adopt the practice of setting time aside to develop a strategic plan for your community. Read on to learn more about the […]
Ready… Set… Recover: Essential Hurricane Preparedness Guidebook for Florida Community Associations
Anticipating an active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, the Florida Community Association Law Firm of Katzman Chandler today released its annual “Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide for Community Associations” to help Florida communities protect their properties and safeguard community residents during what experts say will be a significantly more active storm season. Read the article…………………………
Hurricane Preparedness During a Pandemic: What to Expect and How to Prepare (FL)
Hurricane Season 2020 is here, and scientists are predicting that it will produce more and stronger storms than we have seen in the recent past. In fact, Tropical Storms Arthur and Bertha developed before this season even officially began. We have since seen 2 more named storms and a number of tropical depressions. Floridians are […]
Millions of Americans think they’re safe from flood waters. They aren’t
A new, nationwide flood modeling tool released Monday paints a picture of the U.S. as a country woefully underprepared for damaging floods, now and in the future. The federal government’s best efforts to predict where flooding will strike have underestimated the risk to nearly 6 million homes and commercial properties primarily in the nation’s interior, […]
What’s the real flood danger in Florida? New data shows the risk to your home
As global climate change begins to make a home in the United States in the form of rising seas, punishing storms, and more intense rainfall, the federal government underestimates the flood risk for 113,965 households and properties in Florida, a wide-ranging scientific analysis released Monday found. Read the article…………………………
What’s the real flood danger in Ohio? More homes at risk than thought
Nearly half a million properties in Ohio are at risk of flooding — more than double the number recorded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to a new modeling tool released Monday. Read the article………………………………..
2020 Hurricane Season, the Definitive Checklist for Florida’s Community Associations (FL)
Hurricane season begins on June 1st and lasts 5 months, with storms typically peaking in August and September. Due to COVID-19, this hurricane season will be unlike all others. Properly preparing for this unique hurricane season could truly be a lifesaver. The following hurricane preparation checklist is a combination of over twenty years of community […]
California Wildfire Disasters: The Interpretation and Implementation of Our New Insurance Laws
On a Thursday morning, I received the call that no daughter ever wants to receive. It was from my mom and her car was surrounded by fire. At the same time that I was taking my mom’s call, my dad and stepmom were sending me videos of several fires on the opposite side of town […]
How To Set SMART Goals For Your HOA
Regardless of where your HOA is located, it is important to consider how to improve your organization each year. HOAs that are always forward-thinking and set out to achieve attainable goals will have a great deal of respect from their residents, along with smart financial management. If you are considering how to set SMART goals […]
Making Sure That Your Association Is Prepared for the Unexpected
Most association boards of directors are prepared for the responsibility of the normal day-to-day operations they are responsible for. Association documents usually state that the board is responsible to run the daily operations and has the authority to do so. However, most documents do not address, or at best are vague on, the responsibilities or […]
HOA Powers And Obligations In Emergency Situations
An HOA’s mission includes the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the community. And, to that end, a disaster or crisis situation may call for proactive preparation and rapid response. Read the article…………………………….
Emergency Management – Planning is Everything (NY)
Planning for a rainy day is pretty easy. Have an extra umbrella handy or a waterproof coat, and you’re probably fine. Planning for the rainiest day ever, on the other hand, is significantly more daunting. Especially if during that day there’s also a fire, an earthquake, or a tornado. It may sound like exaggeration, but […]
Coronavirus Response: 5 Actions HOAs Should Take Now
Association boards should be vigilant when dealing with illnesses like the coronavirus. It’s important that HOAs create an action plan in case there is a disruption in association business. Read the article……………………….
What Is the Responsibility of Homeowner and Condominium Associations with the Coronavirus? (NC)
Since our blog last week on The Coronavirus, Flu, and HOA/Condo Association Meetings, there has been an increase in U.S. Coronavirus cases, including one death in Washington state. That has led to a number of questions from association boards to the effect of: “Thanks for the blog, but tell us what we should DO to […]
Long-Range Planning for Your HOA
Short-term goals offer quicker rewards than their long-term counterpart. However, while long-term goals feel distant and sometimes unattainable, they can prove to be more satisfying in the end. So, where do you even start? Perhaps you’ll consider the below tips and tricks regarding how to approach long-range planning for your association. This method is separated […]
Insuring Catastrophe
….as even more communities reckon with rising sea levels and catastrophic storms, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging homeowners and renters to “buy as much flood insurance as they can.” The agency provides over 96% of all flood coverage through its National Flood Insurance Program, making it the sole option for most Americans. But […]
Lake Conroe to Kingwood: Look elsewhere for help with flooding (TX)
This past week, the two sides marched into battle at a packed public hearing in a Conroe convention center, where each speaker was given three minutes to state his or her case. The crowd included three busloads of residents that David Hartman tailed down Texas 105 from Walden on Lake Conroe. Along the way, they […]
How to Prepare Your HOA for Natural Disasters & the Benefits of HOA Natural Disaster Preparation
One issue that is very important for HOAs to consider is how their community can prepare for a natural disaster. HOAs that fail to put these protocols in place can subject themselves to legal liabilities in the future. If your HOA has not prepared a natural disaster plan or is looking to update it, it […]
Residents in San Antonio Creek Neighborhood Applying Lessons Learned from Earlier Wildfires (CA)
A few movers and shakers in the foothills area of San Antonio Creek Road near Santa Barbara have been working steadily since the devastating 1990 Painted Cave Fire to improve fire safety and evacuation procedures in their neighborhood. Read the article…………………….
‘We’re Going To Flood Again’: This Houston Neighborhood Got Hit Twice In 2019 (TX)
As it always does, Christmas is coming to Kingwood. But this year, for some residents who’ve been flooded, it won’t be the same. When Nancy Vera’s home in Kingwood’s Elm Grove subdivision flooded for the first time in May, the family carefully saved all their holiday decorations. But those boxes didn’t survive when Tropical Storm […]
Flood prevention costs for condos and businesses could soar in Fort Lauderdale (FL)
Fort Lauderdale residents and businesses will have to pay more to protect against flooding, but how those extra costs are split could pit condo owners and businesses against homeowners. Read the article…………………………….
Bill Would Make Co-ops and Condos Eligible for Full Disaster Relief
U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler – a New York Democrat who, as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is overseeing the presidential impeachment hearings – has somehow found the time to co-sponsor a piece of legislation that has nothing to do with Donald Trump but has huge implications for co-ops, condominiums, and homeowners’ associations (HOAs). Read […]
Communication and Training Are Key Before Disaster Strikes (NY)
In New York City, there are numerous safety regulations governing commercial buildings and hotels, but they do not apply to co-ops, condos, or other residential buildings. Where commercial tenants practice drills and listen to safety directors on a regular basis, the residential sector is required only to pass out the Fire and Emergency Preparedness Guide. […]