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Sandy Glover Discussion started by Sandy Glover 11 years ago

Sadly, the tragic out breaks of tornadoes the past few days demonstrates just how vulnerable to the elements we are.  Before going any further, condolences go to the families who lost loved ones and best wishes to the victims who lost homes and businesses.  None of us are safe from a natural disaster; the West deals with earthquakes, mud slides, and wild fires; Florida, the entire Eastern Seaboard or the Gulf states must deal with hurricanes, and the rest flash floods and tornadoes.  How to you get ready?  Here are a few tips:

  • Video you property ( business and home) make sure you get everything-pools, play grounds, equipment and sheds, and a few apartments.  Talk about what you are filming so a FEMA or insurance agent will know what was there.  Secure it in a safety deposit box along with papers that are necessary to your business or home.
  • Read your insurance policy.  Do you  have enough coverage?  Have you made improvements that are not covered?  Are you covered for wind and flood? Make the necessary corrections now.  Put the policy with the other papers and video.
  • Have a meeting with staff to plan who will do what.  You may have only a few minuets or a couple days, so make the most of the time you have.  If you dealing with a hurricane or tropical storm get emergency contact information so you can recall them and get back to work as soon as possible-your staff will have time to put pool furniture in the pool, cover windows, and make other preparations.  Remember they want to get home as soon as possible so a drill or two would be a good idea.
  • Locate the safest place on your staff to meet in the event of a tornado-the lowest floor away from windows is best.
  • Keep trees and other landscape free of dead branches and limbs.  Loose objects become deadly missiles in strong winds.
  • Your local FEMA office or county emergency management office will have pamphlets that apply to your area of the county with valuable information.  Get a copy for each of your residents and staff.
  • Download a weather app on your iPhone and get a weather ban radio ( have plenty of batteries) Pay attention to the watches and warnings.
  • It is important that you stay calm and act quickly.
  • If you are going to get hurricane shutters, get them now.  Using plywood?  Have it cut and labeled which window it is to cover, ie: rental office, upper right.

We can't stop Mother Natures wrath, but we can lessen the damage with a few well thought out plans.

Look for future Gold Shield tips designed for the multi family professional