Natural disasters occur every day and cause billions of dollars in property damage annually. When destructive elements like rain, wind, lightning and hail strike, the result can be roof and structural damage, water intrusion, mold, electrical failures, plumbing problems…the list goes on.

In the midst of a weather emergency, coordinating restoration for an entire community is a daunting task. More often than not, multifamily developments face two separate losses – both to individual homes and exterior damage to common areas. Thus, it is critical to plan ahead.

Organize and Communicate
It’s difficult to remain calm when faced with impending disaster, and once a threat is identified, it’s easy to panic – rushing to buy supplies and secure buildings. But often, one major precaution is overlooked: forming a plan for remediation in the event damage occurs. Making arrangements beforehand will help get the community back to normal as efficiently as possible. With that in mind, establish an emergency plan to prepare for the following:

• Hurricanes: Though they can be deadly, hurricanes are one of the few threats that provide advance notice. Make sure residents are well-informed – by sending out a list of supplies and/or organizing community informational meetings prior to the storm. Also, find out if there are any elderly or disabled residents who need extra help to prepare.
• Tornados, Thunderstorms and Flooding: Wind and water damage from these storms can result in a litany of problems: fallen trees, broken windows, roof damage and mold. Since there is little time to prepare, make sure you have established an emergency communication plan for residents to follow.
• Fire: A fire in one condominium unit can displace residents in an entire building. Unfortunately, the only fix is to begin remediation immediately. Enlist a reputable general contractor who will be on-call for emergencies.

Create the Plan
When dealing with hundreds of homes, repairs must be completed promptly to both decrease resident displacement and mitigate general hazards.
While the actions of each individual homeowner or tenant can’t be controlled, easy-to-follow instructions can be provided. Ask the following questions before drafting an emergency plan:

• Is there a resident checklist? The list, which should be updated annually, should include important phone numbers (e.g., local police and Red Cross), as well as any pertinent guidelines to follow during a severe weather situation. If applicable, identify a safe room in each home (or ask residents to identify their own) and designate a meeting spot where they can gather after a storm.
• Will insurance cover that? Find out now, before repairs are needed. In most multifamily developments, the individual owner and the community itself will have separate insurance policies, and often both policies are utilized to cover the damaged areas. To ensure the fastest possible rebuild, ask all homeowners to review their policies – and share with them what is covered under the “master policy.” Be familiar with insurance deductibles for all claims.
• Is there anything else I can do? Even with the best preparation, damage can’t be prevented, but its effects can be minimized. Cover torn-off roofs and broken windows with tarps and plywood – and, if water is the issue, use large fans to dry-out homes faster. To ensure the quickest recovery, establish a relationship with a disaster contractor – and encourage residents to do the same.

Choosing a Disaster Contractor
Searching for a reputable contractor after a natural disaster occurs increases the chances for fraud and price gouging – especially if the destruction is widespread. Securing that relationship in advance reduces that risk and alleviates tough decision making during an already chaotic time.

Therefore, one of the most important preemptive measures a property manager can make is contacting a disaster contractor. Damaged roofs and walls, broken windows, flooding and mold require companies with different expertise. Disaster contractors can bundle all these services – even coordinating multiple sub-contractors for their clients, if needed – thereby eliminating extra hassle. Beyond being equipped to handle building repairs and complications from water intrusion, (like mold, for example), these companies are well-versed in working with insurance agencies to settle claims efficiently. In addition, many of them stockpile basic supplies like lumber and tarps. Also, early enrollment allows for a property survey ahead of time to note emergency electricity and water shut-offs for each building, among other preparatory measures.

Keep in mind that restoration can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months to finish. Because the hired contractor is going to become part of the property’s daily operations throughout the duration of repairs, make sure it’s a company you’re comfortable working with – and working around. Begin researching now, enroll for appropriate services and ride out any storm season with confidence.

Final Steps to Secure the Community
In addition to forming a relationship with a disaster contractor, follow these precautions:

• Review insurance policies for any new clauses. For example, some companies no longer cover homes that have been vacant for more than 30 days.
• Become familiar with insurance deductibles for all claims.
• Make sure the insurance policy includes Law and Ordinance (Code Upgrade) provisions.
• Encourage renters to purchase renter’s insurance.
• Check vacant units prior to the storm, and shut off their power and water.
• Keep an updated list of disabled residents and their addresses.
• Make sure shrubs and trees are trimmed to reduce potential debris.
• If a swimming pool is on property, place pool furniture in it.

About the Author
Scott McCurdy is co-owner of Coastal Reconstruction Group and is active in more than 19 trade associations, including NARPM. With his vast experience in insurance mitigation, disaster preparedness and remediation from wind, water, mold, fire and termite damage, Scott is an expert resource on disaster recovery and building restoration.
Coastal Reconstruction’s Rapid Response services provide post-disaster reconstruction to residential and commercial structures throughout the Southeastern U.S. For more information, call (877) 708-5501 or visit www.coastalreconstruction.com.