The Atlantic hurricane season begins each year on June 1 and runs through November 30. This is the time when the eastern coastal United States may witness Mother Nature’s wrath through furious ocean-born storms that for some reason are given charming human names. Hurricanes can bring tremendous physical destruction and financial ruin to a community […]
Disaster Planning: Before, During, and After
If you’ve read the headlines, you know the risks are real. From wildfires to raging floods, and corporate fraud to cyber attacks, there any number of ways disasters can take an organization offline. Recognizing these risks is important, but for companies to be truly prepared, they need to have plans in place to protect them […]
Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities: What to Do When Emergency Weather Strikes
We all like to believe that when a major hurricane is headed our way or a tornado warning is issued, we’ll know exactly what to do. But inclement weather is unpredictable, and it can be frightening and chaotic to handle in the moment. It’s crucial to prepare and plan well in advance for any natural […]
Tips to Stay Safe When Lightning Strikes Your Homeowners Association
Winter and Spring weather usually means staying in and snuggling by the fire, but it can also bring severe weather. Threatening thunderstorms often loom large in Northern California so it’s important to be prepared for downpours and accompanying lightning, which can strike at any time. Consider the following suggestions when planning get-together’s in your homeowners […]
When your homeowner association needs intensive care
Q. Long story short, the members have all been reluctant to get involved on our board for many years. They are all fine with someone else doing it. Our vice president resigned and then appointed herself “manager.” She paid herself each month as vice president, and upon becoming manager, she gave herself a raise. The […]
Long-Term Planning for Associations
Long-term planning is one of the most valuable tools for managing community associations. A good plan will establish goals that need to be set for the association and methods of monitoring those goals through the timeframe of the project. For on-site managed communities, a long range plan is of particular importance. While board change as […]
South Florida Contents Restoration
Every single day, a natural disaster or other catastrophic event occurs somewhere in America, crippling businesses and homeowners alike. Floods and broken water pipes can wreak havoc to floors, walls, ceilings, carpeting, and to all items within affected rooms. Fires can leave a great amount of smoke damage to entire structures. The smoke damage from […]
HOAs and Storm Prep
In many parts of the country, the temperatures have already settled into the 30s and 40s, and residents of those areas know that snow, ice, and wind are right around the corner. Even during mild winters, storms can wreak havoc on a property that isn’t prepared. Fortunately, there are simple things an HOA can do […]
Emergency Preparation: Planning for Worst-Case Scenarios
Some days it rains, some days it pours—and some days, there’s a Category 4 hurricane. And while the latter is relatively rare, it can be a true disaster, and any condominium, co-op or homeowner’s association worth its salt should be prepared for it. Whether storm, fire, earthquake or freak accident, a board must take into […]
CAI Letter to President Re: FEMA, Disasters and Community Associations
http://communityassociations.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Letter-to-the-POTUS-Regarding-Hurricane-Matthew-October-2016.pdf
How to Prepare and Respond to a Flood in Your High-Rise Building
A flood – one of the most common natural disasters – can also be the most detrimental for high-rise buildings. The nature of these buildings makes them particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by severe storms. “Vulnerability doesn’t have to equate to disaster,” said Tal Eyal, president of FS Project Management, a subsidiary of FirstService Residential. […]
EMERGENCY POWERS: What Condominium and Homeowners Association Board Members Need to Know (FL)
The windows are shuttered, patio and pool furniture is stored away, the pantry is stocked with food, water bottles and gas tanks are filled, flashlights have new batteries, and insurance policies and other important papers are in a safe place. Hopefully, the preparation for the storm will be worst part. But, if you do experience […]
HOA Management: Creating a Strategic Plan for Your Community
A strategic plan is a valuable resource, especially for large or aging communities. In this article, we will outline exactly what defines a strategic plan and how it can help guide your homeowners association property management decisions. Read the article………….
When Tragedy Affects Your Building – Picking Up the Pieces at Your Co-op or Condo
According to a story in the New York Daily News on August 18, a construction worker died after apparently hanging himself from a fifth-floor window at a Queens condominium complex. By any estimation, this event was tragic, and surely devastating for the friends and family of the deceased. But an incident like this doesn’t happen […]
How to Set Up Emergency Plans in Your HOA Community
No one really wants to think about emergency situations and their consequences. Unfortunately, bad things, including natural disasters like tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, happen when we least expect them. So your board should always have an emergency plan in place in case disaster strikes. Here are some of the tip ways to make sure your […]
Tips to Prepare a Family Emergency Plan in Your Homeowners Association
Natural disasters affect thousands of people every year, and with the increased risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and tornadoes these days, it’s a good idea to think about having an emergency plan in place. Consider preparing an emergency plan now before it’s needed. Read the article……………
It’s Hurricane Season: Is Your Community Association Prepared?
Despite 2016 not being projected as a big year for hurricanes in Florida, we all know that the season is not over yet. This leads to a very important question for community associations: if a hurricane or tropical storm were to occur in your area, would your association be prepared to handle it? If you […]
Community Associations: Are You Prepared for this Hurricane Season?
Southwest Florida has been fortunate in the first month of this 2016 hurricane season, but if a hurricane crops up next week, is your association prepared? Here are a few suggestions for protecting yourselves and your association members this hurricane season: Read the article…………..
Property Owner Association Strategies For Post-Hurricane And Disaster Events (Part 3)
In my previous two articles, I discussed preparation for catastrophic events and post-event site assessment. There are a few final steps to disaster recovery for associations, though, and those are settling the insurance claim and finalizing the cleanup and repair process. Read the article………….
When a Storm Strikes Your HOA: How you respond is critical
You were just hit by a big storm, you know there is damage and are grateful everyone is safe; and that you have insurance. But, did you know that you as a homeowner are responsible to prevent additional damage and if you don’t mitigate then it could get very expensive? Read the article…………
Property Owner Association Strategies For Post-Hurricane And Disaster Events (Part 2) (NC)
Does your association have a post-hurricane and disaster event plan in place? As I discussed in my last article, preparation is key for property owner associations when it comes to being ready for catastrophic events. But once the event happens, there are some steps your association should take. Read the article………….
Hurricane Preparedness for Your Community Association
The dreaded hurricane season is here. June 1 marks the beginning of the season, which goes until November 30. Does your community have a plan? If not, now is the time to create one. Knowing the necessary steps to prepare is key and this is where it all starts. The best time to plan is […]
Does Your HOA Have a Strategic Plan?
The strategic plan for a homeowners association should act as an outline for the immediate future of projects and priorities, as well as an overview of the year’s budget and what future budgets might include. Regularly reviewing and updating your plan as circumstances change is important for the health of any homeowners association. Read the […]
Why a Strategic Plan is Crucial for Your Homeowners Association
A strategic plan outlines priorities and projects for the immediate future and for years to come. It can accommodate revisions as changing circumstances dictate—without conflicting with the vision behind its creation. It also helps determine what the year’s budget will include and suggests what future ones might feature. Read the article…………
Utility Hazards: Recognizing the Signs of Danger
There are certain perils—fires, major weather events, and so forth—that announce themselves clearly; others are more subtle, if no less hazardous. Things like gas leaks, electrical shorts and surges, and water leaks may not be as dramatic as a hurricane or a nor’easter, but the damage they can cause can be staggeringly expensive. Read the […]
(Disaster Preparedness for) Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
How might a disaster affect me? What are my personal needs during a disaster? By evaluating your own individual needs and making an emergency plan that ?ts those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared. Here are three easy steps to start your emergency communication plan: Read the articles……….
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Know the difference between the threat levels and plan accordingly. Read the information…………
Disaster Preparedness (for Pets)
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. Here are simple steps you can follow […]
The Ultimate SoCal Disaster Safety Guide
In Time’s top 12 most dangerous counties in America, five were counties in Southern California: San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles. So it’s clearly no secret that the SoCal region sees its fair share of numerous kinds of natural disasters, the most dangerous of which are flooding, wildfires, earthquakes and landslides. Read […]
Building Safety for Everyone: Emergency Preparation Includes Residents with Special Needs
New England is home to more than three million seniors age 60 and older, and about one in four suffers some type of physical impairment. When you factor in a climate prone to blizzards and heavy snow storms, a disaster plan is an obvious necessity for all HOAs, condos, and multifamily dwellings across the region. […]
Is Your Vertical Community Ready for El Nino? (CA)
We have a high probability of a powerful El Nino returning this fall with extreme rain, wind and flooding conditions. Whether this will be a destructive El Nino or not, is not the question. What is important is that mid/high-rise community managers prepare your building(s) proactively for emergency storm conditions. Problems and issues can increase […]
Disaster Recovery Takes Careful Planning and Execution
Insurance coverage and claims are often among the most confusing and troublesome matters that developers and community associations must address, and large claims involving serious property damage from any type of disaster will typically require the guidance and expertise of attorneys and public adjusters. Read the article………..
Community Association Q&A: Hurricane Prep. Part III
Question: When there is a mandatory evacuation because of a hurricane, what is the Community Association’s responsibility? Read the article…………
Community & Homeowner Association Q&A: Hurricane Preparation Part II
Question: Many of our owners are away for the summer, but have furniture and plants on their balconies. Can the Association clear the balconies and patios as a part of the Community Associations’ hurricane preparation if there is a storm coming? Read the article……….
Community & Homeowners Association Q&A: Hurricane Preparedness
Question: What should the community do to prepare for a hurricane? We already know about the pool furniture and protecting the lobby windows. Read the article………
Cleaning Up After a Summer Storm
Just like any storm, a summer storm can cause severe damage to homes and surrounding areas. The downed trees, debris and damaged buildings can leave the neighborhood in disarray. Summer floods can even cause severe water damage. That’s why getting out there and cleaning up after a summer storm is so important. Read the […]
Disaster Recovery & Rebuilding
Powerful weather events such as hurricanes are dangerous reminders of the importance of proper planning, emergency preparedness, and the need to work with experienced professionals to properly recover losses and rebuild homes, businesses and communities. Read the article………
Tips for Preparing Your Condo Elevator for Hurricane Season
PRIOR TO HURRICANE SEASON – APRIL AND MAY • Check the operation of all vents and openings in the machine room and hoist way walls to insure proper operation. This is to make sure that driving rain will not blow through the vents. • Check to make sure all doors, vents and other openings are […]
Long Range Panning for Community Associations – Getting Down to Business!
In Part 2 of this series, I outlined the basic planning steps condominiums, HOAs, and cooperatives use to create a long range plan. You’ve assembled the team to take on the project (also covered in Part 2) and you are ready to roll. Now what? There are different approaches to complete each step, considering the […]
How Community Associations Plan to Succeed
In Part 1 of this series, I explored the reasons why condominium associations, homeowner associations, and cooperatives by and large fail to engage in meaningful long range planning. If a failure to plan is a plan to fail, how can community associations plan to succeed? Long range planning can be defined as the establishment of […]
Why Don’t Community Associations Plan? (PT 1)
“Ridiculous! How can someone hit a target they can’t see?” To which Mr. Ziglar responded “That’s very true. Even worse, how can you hit a target you don’t even have?” It seems so incredibly obvious. Have a target, hit a target. Have a goal, reach a goal. Duh. Yet how many community associations have clear, […]
How an HOA Board Can Prepare the Association for a Flooding Disaster
In many areas, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster—and it can happen in your homeowners association. Just one inch of water in a home can cost thousands of dollars in cleanup and replacement costs, including drywall, baseboards, floor coverings and furniture. You may think you are covered, but many insurance policies do […]
Disaster Management: Handling Crisis, Large or Small
……face crises that arise throughout the state every day, from fires to water main breaks to building collapses, doing so with their trademark resilience. And whereas residents have long been accustomed to lousy – aand sometimes dangerous—winter weather, it wasn’t until Superstorm Sandy hit in 2012, costing over three-dozen lives and roughly $30 billion in […]
Disaster Management: Expecting the Best, Preparing for the Worst
While the Boston Marathon bombing of April 2013 stands as the biggest catastrophe to befall the New England area in recent years, residents must be on guard for many potential disasters, be they fires, nor’easters, floods or building collapses. To brace a condominium association for these and many other possible calamities, it’s critical to have […]
Water, Water Everywhere – Here Comes the Flood
Flood” might as well be synonymous with “dread.” Or “mess.” Or “insurance hassle.” Think back to the devastating footage after Hurricane Sandy, and you may have a number of questions about flood zones and flood insurance. Knowing the ins-and-outs of flood insurance before an incident happens, though, can help you navigate those stormy waters should […]
FEMA Flood Map Service Center (New & Improved)
The official public source for flood hazard information produced in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Use the MSC to find your official flood map, access a range of other flood hazard products, and take advantage of tools for better understanding flood risk.
When Waters Rise: Flood Insurance for Condos
When is a flood not a flood? That’s a serious question for southeast Florida’s residential communities. Even if they have flood insurance, damage caused by heavy rains and backed-up sewers may not meet the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) definition of a flood—and that can mean financial devastation for condo or co-op owners who thought […]
Preparing your Community for the Worst
Disasters are not limited to hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes; they also include man-made events that can cause loss of life and property, such as a train derailment, forest fire, an act of terrorism, or a gas line rupture. Homeowners and communities need to be prepared for any of these potential disasters, and having an emergency […]
Worst-Case Scenarios: When the Reserves Won’t Cover It
New Jersey has had its share of hurricanes and weather disasters over the years, and while sometimes there’s ample warning before something calamitous happens, that’s not always the case. A bad situation can be made immeasurably worse when a building or association isn’t economically solvent enough to weather an emergency, or when insurance coverage doesn’t […]
Federal Disaster Assistance for Condominium Associations and Cooperatives May be on the Horizon
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many communities throughout the tri-state area suffered severe and catastrophic damage. Community associations, much similar to single family homeowners, turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for financial assistance, only to be turned away. Surprisingly, federal law does not currently permit FEMA to provide financial assistance directly to […]