This act intends to provide condominium associations with a program similar to the My Safe Florida Home Program by establishing what is known as the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot (MSFCP) Program. Eligible condominiums can now apply for mitigation grants to help harden their buildings in an effort to mitigate hurricane damage. Read the article…………………………….
HUD announces final rule to protect against flood risk
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Monday that it published a final rule, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS), in the Federal Register. The rule is designed to “help communities prepare for and reduce flood damage” and other extended climate risks, including “heavy storms, increased frequency of severe weather events […]
Creating an Emergency Event Strategy for Your HOA
Having a well-thought-out emergency plan is paramount for any community facing unforeseen circumstances. Anticipating every possible scenario may seem daunting, but establishing a plan that is adaptable to various emergencies can alleviate stress for board members and ensure a smoother response process. Moreover, tailoring your plan to address these risks is prudent if your area […]
Prepping for a nightmare scenario: What happens if there’s a condo collapse in Volusia County? (FL)
This week, some are training on how to respond to what would be a true nightmare: A condo collapse in Daytona Beach Shores. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is hosting the training at the county’s Emergency Operations Center at 3825 Tiger Bay Road Daytona Beach. Volusia County and chose the scenario. The county’s coastline is […]
HOA Emergency Preparedness: How to Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan for Your Community
When it comes to HOA (Homeowners Association) emergency preparedness, having a well-thought-out evacuation plan is crucial. Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, from natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires to unexpected events like gas leaks or fires within the community. To ensure the safety and well-being of your community members, it’s essential to […]
Emergency Preparedness in the Era of Climate Change: Preparing for the Unpredictable
The acceleration of global warming and the accompanying climate crisis is affecting shared-interest residential communities all over the United States and around the world. This past September was the wettest ever recorded in the eastern United States, with nine times the normal rainfall. Scientists warn that excessive rain and wind, extreme heat and cold, as […]
Managing Monsoon Flood Risks: A Crucial Task for Arizona HOAs
In Arizona, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and condominiums face unique challenges due to the state’s distinct climate, particularly during the monsoon season. Effective management of stormwater and monsoon flooding is not just a matter of maintenance but a critical responsibility that can significantly impact the lives and properties of residents. Here are some of the most […]
Water gushed for 72 minutes after Reno high-rise fire was put out. What went wrong? (NV)
After a kitchen fire was put out last year on the top floor of a downtown Reno high-rise, water continued to pour from a hallway sprinkler. It took 49 minutes from the time the sprinkler triggered an alarm until the Reno Fire Department arrived at 1200 Riverside Drive and knocked down the fire on the […]
HOA Emergency Preparedness: How to Create an Emergency Response Plan for Your Community
In today’s unpredictable world, having a well-thought-out emergency response plan is crucial for any homeowners association (HOA). Emergencies can strike at any moment, from natural disasters to unexpected events, and being prepared can mean the difference between chaos and a coordinated, efficient response. Read the article……………………………..
Homeowner Association Flood Mitigation Measures (CO)
For any homeowner, the prospect of a flood is a daunting one. With Colorado seeing over five inches of rain in both May and June of this year, breaking a hundred-year record, the likelihood of experiencing a flood has been significantly higher than in a ‘normal’ year. While a flood can be equally as devastating […]
Homeowner Association Flood Mitigation Measures (CO)
For any homeowner, the prospect of a flood is a daunting one. With Colorado seeing over five inches of rain in both May and June of this year, breaking a hundred-year record, the likelihood of experiencing a flood has been significantly higher than in a ‘normal’ year. Read the article………………………..
Lake Hawkins property owners hold preparedness picnic (TX)
A meeting of the association of Lake Hawkins property owners held at the pavilion at Lake Hawkins park was more than just a picnic. “We’re always trying to educate homeowners on what they can do to make their home more fire resilient. Today we’re focusing on the homeowners themselves on what they can do on […]
Hurricanes Hilary and Idalia Remind HOAs to be Ready
The past few weeks have brought natural disasters to several parts of the U.S.—from wildfires in Maui to a tropical storm in Southern California and a hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend. While the southeast surveys damage from Hurricane Idalia this week, the wide-ranging disasters should remind community association leaders to evaluate their disaster preparations. Read […]
Disaster preparations: Hurricanes Hilary and Idalia remind communities to be ready
The past few weeks have brought natural disasters to several parts of the U.S.—from wildfires in Maui to a tropical storm in Southern California and a hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend. While the southeast surveys damage from Hurricane Idalia this week, the wide-ranging disasters should remind community association leaders to evaluate their disaster preparations. Read […]
Protecting Your Future – Risk Management + Community Associations
Community associations, by and through their Boards of Trustees, are responsible for overseeing and maintaining common areas, enforcing rules and regulations, and managing the business of the association. Like any business, associations face a spectrum of potential challenges and risks that can undermine their stability and cause financial or other hardships (not to mention unnecessary […]
How Your Condo Board Can Ensure Balconies Are Clear Before a Hurricane
As a condo association board member, the safety and well-being of your residents should be your top priority, especially when it comes to preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes. One area that requires particular attention is the clearing of balconies before a hurricane strikes. Balconies can become potential hazards during high winds, posing risks to […]
Why Your Board Should List All Damages Following a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, community associations face numerous challenges, including assessing and documenting the damages caused by the storm. While the immediate focus is often on cleanup and recovery, it is crucial for association boards to prioritize the comprehensive listing of all damages incurred. This blog post aims to highlight the importance of […]
HOA Community Emergency Preparedness
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. Read the article………………………..
Why Your Board Should Have an SOP for Hurricane Evacuations
As an HOA board member, you play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of your community, especially during times of natural disasters like hurricanes. To effectively manage the potential risks and challenges associated with such events, it is crucial for your HOA board to have a well-defined standard operating procedure (SOP) for […]
Common Items in That Could Become Projectiles During a Hurricane
Living in an association-governed community brings numerous benefits, such as shared amenities, organized maintenance, and a sense of community. However, it’s important to be aware of potential hazards that can arise during extreme weather events like hurricanes. Read the article………………………..
How to Prepare Elevators in Your High-Rise for a Hurricane
Keeping your community functional, safe, and beautiful can be particularly challenging if it is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Here are some of the most important things to consider when preparing your high-rise’s elevators to reduce the likelihood of damage during a hurricane. Read the article………………………..
Florida Governor Signs SB 250 into Law
On June 28, 2023, the Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 250 (see Chapter 2023-304, Laws of Florida), which makes various amendments throughout the Florida Statutes regarding the preparation and response activities of state and local governments when natural emergencies impact the state. Supporters of Senate Bill 250 (the “Bill”) believe the […]
Proposed Federal Legislation Aims to Broaden FEMA Disaster Assistance for Community Associations
FEMA is a federal program that assists homeowners and municipalities with recovering from disasters. FEMA funds are available for restoration of a single family home in the event of a disaster when insurance proceeds are exhausted or the damage was not insured. FEMA funds may be used for roof repair, HVAC repair, electrical box repair, […]
Best Practices for Hurricane Preparedness (FL)
It’s that time of year again. As the days get longer and the weather gets hotter, we know that hurricane season is fast approaching. Therefore, this is a good time to review some of the “best practices” to prepare for and protect the association in the event a hurricane comes our way. Read the article………………………..
Is Your Association Prepared for an Emergency?
When unexpected repairs arise, or a weather-related disaster strikes your community, your association is left trying to fund projects needing immediate attention. Your association can’t plan for every possible incident that might take place, but there are a few steps you can take to better prepare for emergencies. Popular Association Banking has some tips for […]
Do You Have Your Hurricane/Disaster Plan Ready? (FL)
Every community is different in the specifics of your Hurricane/Disaster Plan, but one thing is certain, if you are in Florida, you will need one at some point. Your plan will most certainly differ from community to community, but there are some things that all communities should think to put in it. Read the article………………………..
Douglas County declares disaster following Highlands Ranch tornado (CO)
To our Highlands Ranch community – you are not alone. As you clean up after Thursday’s storm, you likely have questions. Please read on for what we know now. “We’re counting our blessings that there were no reported injuries nor deaths from Thursday’s storm. However, there was significant damage and debris,” said Commissioner Lora Thomas. […]
How Directors Can Create An Effective Condo Building Emergency Plan (ON)
No matter how well you manage your condo, unexpected events can happen. Being prepared for these occurrences is just as important as doing what you can to prevent them. Condo directors are responsible for building and implementing condo emergency response plans that keep staff and residents safe. Read the article………………………..
Preparing Your Community for a Natural Disaster
Does your association have a business continuity plan in place? In an emergency, it’s much easier to work from a plan rather than thinking on your feet. Setting up a business continuity plan and testing it may seem like an overwhelming task, but once in place, it gives everyone involved peace of mind. Read the […]
How HOAs Should Prepare for the Atlantic Hurricane Season
As we approach June, it’s time for community association board members on the east coast to begin preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricanes can be incredibly destructive, so association leaders must do all they can to protect their residents and property. Read the article………………………..
How HOAs Should Prepare for the Atlantic Hurricane Season
As we approach June, it’s time for community association board members on the east coast to begin preparing for the Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricanes can be incredibly destructive, so association leaders must do all they can to protect their residents and property. In this article, we’ll cover some tips on preparing your community for a […]
Building a Strategic Plan for your HOA
Most of us have a vision for our community. Whether it’s the neighborhood we reside in, the one we manage, or the one that we provide services to, there is a goal in mind. Having an idea for your community is just the start. Seeing it come to fruition requires collaboration, time, and strategic planning. […]
The Worst Storm Is the Storm You Didn’t Prepare For (FL)
With hurricane season quickly approaching, it is important that you prepare for the worst (and hope for the best)! Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. This article will provide tips to help prepare your 2023 hurricane preparedness guide, as well as provide actions that you can take before a hurricane makes landfall. The […]
HOA Emergency Preparedness: How to Communicate with Residents during an Emergency
In today’s world, emergency preparedness is more important than ever. As a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Board member or HOA management, you must be ready to communicate quickly and efficiently with your residents during an emergency event. Read the article………………………..
Left Holding the (Sand) Bag (CA)
Who Will Pay for the Damage Caused by Flooding and Rising Sea Levels? It Could Be Your Homeowners Association! Read the article………………………..
Things to Consider When Forming Your HOA’s Emergency Plan
Forming an emergency plan is essential for all community associations. Having a comprehensive plan will keep you ahead of the curve and allow board members to rest assured that all aspects of the association are prepared man with emergency planshould the worst occur. In this blog post, we’ll go over what to assess when forming […]
Bill Would Change Hurricane Requirements for Florida Condos
A bill recently introduced to the Florida Senate would revise the requirements for installing and maintaining hurricane protection material, including hurricane shutters, impact glass and code-compliant windows or doors, in residential and mixed-use condominiums. Read the article………………………..
Tips for Creating an Emergency Communication Plan for Your HOA
Emergencies often hit at a moment’s notice and bring chaos with them. Getting information out as fast as possible to as many residents as possible is vital, which can be a challenge, especially if you don’t already have a plan in place. With everything going on in an emergency, it is easy to forget even […]
Disasters (NJ)
While every homeowner association hopes for a community that runs smoothly and safely, HOAs must remain aware of the possibility of disasters and dangerous situations in order to provide their residents with the greatest amount of safety and security. Read the article………………………..
Spring Creek Association looks to strategic plan in the new year (NV)
Work began this year on Spring Creek Association’s five-year strategic plan that aims to refine and improve goals for the homeowners association amid changes in water rates and property owner rules. Read the article………………………..
HOA Disaster Team: Does Your HOA Need One? How To Form It? (NC)
Having an HOA disaster team is always a good idea, especially if you have a larger community. But what does this team even do? And how can you form one for your association? Read the article………………………..
How to Set Goals for Your Community Association
Goal-setting is an annual task that every community association should perform. It’s a great way to maximize the effectiveness of your association in the coming year. The goals set serve as a roadmap to maintain and improve your community. They keep your community on track, accountable, and financially sound. Read the article………………………..
Creating an Emergency Management Plan for Your Community
Although it can be hard to predict when and where an emergency might happen, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be prepared when a crisis impacts your community. By establishing a clear plan for disaster management ahead of time, you can help mitigate the effects that an emergency will have on your community and ensure […]
How to Create an Outline for Your Community’s Strategic Plan
Strategic planning, also known as long-range planning, is the process an organization uses to define its priorities, allocate resources, improve operations, and assess its trajectory. Created by a homeowners’ association (HOA) board of directors, this plan should be used to communicate the vision of the community, establish direction, and provide focus for the future. Read […]
‘Condo buildings in peril’: coastal city asks county for evacuation order (FL)
With Subtropical Storm Nicole steaming closer to Florida’s coastline, Daytona Beach Shores leaders are asking Volusia County to change course and issue an evacuation order. Read the article………………………..
The Proper HOA Response To An Emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time. Emergencies can take many forms in a planned community, but the homeowners association should always be prepared. Here is the proper HOA response to an emergency. Read the article………………………..
Venetian Golf and River Club says ‘THANKS!’ (FL)
Hurricane Readiness Team. The HRT is composed of over 60 resident volunteers who are organized to provide a total assessment of any damage on property, address special needs of residents and provide extra security to the community, according to a news release. Read the article………………………..
After The Storm—Does Your Condo Have to Hire an Engineer or Architect? (FL)
What should the Association do after the storm about the damage? This initial common question is important and invariably leads me to tell Association Boards to check the Association Declarations and By-Laws. Most have guidance about steps that must be followed. Read the article………………………..
Emergency powers for community associations (FL)
Two and half weeks ago, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida. Hurricane Ian was practically a worst-case scenario for our area and has impacted essentially every person and community. The recovery for many of our communities will take years and the process is only beginning. Read the article………………………..
In case of emergency: How to prepare your condo or HOA
We all hope that we never have to navigate through an emergency or natural disaster, but everyone found themselves unprepared when the 2020 pandemic hit. The pandemic taught us that it’s impossible to plan for every emergency, but it’s equally important to be proactive when possible. Read the article………………………..