For most of Florida, February 2010 was one of the coldest months on record. Temperatures remained consistently low, and the average daily temperature in Jacksonville was just 50 degrees. Just as Floridians know to plan ahead during hurricane season, they must prepare for the other elements as well. Although Florida is known for tropical weather, it is subject to threats from wintery conditions, most notably, freezing temperatures and freezing temperatures.
Cold Weather Threat #1: Freezing Temperatures
Unlike up north, buildings in Florida are not constructed to withstand consistent freezing temperatures. Because they tend to be built with less insulation, plumbing systems, in particular, are vulnerable to the cold. One consequence: burst pipes . . . a casualty that all owners and property managers must prepare for. In a multi-family housing development, one burst pipe can damage an entire structure – displacing residents and creating thousands, if not millions, of dollars worth of destruction. What can be done to avoid such a scenario? Something as simple as leaving taps and exterior faucets running with a slight drip can help. The trickling flow of water can prevent pipes from freezing solid.
Cold Weather Threat #2: Dry Air
Besides low temperatures, cold weather also carries another threat: dry air. In a subtropical climate used to heavy rains, cooler, drier air often creates the perfect “storm” for fire conditions. During the winter months, burn bans and fire watches are regularly issued. Remind residents that outdoor fire pits or fireplaces can’t be used during these times.
Other fire threats include chimneys and space heaters. If your apartments have fireplaces, maintenance personnel should ensure that they are debris-free and in working order. Make sure residents know how to use the fireplace properly and to open and close the flue.
Residents may also use space heaters during cooler weather. For the security of the building and safety of other tenants, send out an announcement outlining how to safely use the devices, and reminding residents to turn them off when leaving home. Fires from chimneys and space heaters are common – and costly – but can be easily prevented with tenant cooperation.
The Best Defense: Disaster Contractors
Beyond those preventative measures, the next best bet is to ensure that the community has an on-call general contractor – like a disaster reconstruction company – on-hand. These firms are often equipped to answer the initial call for assistance and begin remediation within hours. To best prepare your community, you should establish a relationship with a contractor before trouble occurs. This will allow the contracting company to become familiar with your property and may even give your development priority status in the event of a disaster.
Of course, having an on-call general contractor lends itself to all natural disasters. Hurricane season will be here in just a few months, bringing with it high winds, heavy rains and the potential for flooding. The best defense and advice: Prepare your community for severe weather as if the damage has already been done. Create emergency plans, keep open communication with residents and have a general contractor on your side and – poised to react when the unthinkable happens.
