subject: RESIDENT SAFETY: Use These Expert Solutions To Keep Your Residents Safe In A Natural Disaster [print this page] RESIDENT SAFETY: Use These Expert Solutions To Keep Your Residents Safe In A Natural Disaster
You should try a toll-free helpline so that you can help tenants to stay informed in case of an evacuation.
As an owner of a property it is natural for you to worry about the safety of your tenants when you consider natural disasters like hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, fire or nasty wintry weather, and it is you duty to assist in their safe evacuation from your facility. The key is to stay calm and composed when the panic strikes, plus we got top-notch tips from seasoned property managers to help you further.
This is a guide for preparation before, during and after a natural disaster this will make sure that you and your residents are back on your feet in no time.
Remind Residents Of Your Emergency Plan Each Season
Just stay alert avoid delays in informing your tenants to the time the word is out loud on CNN. They might just need time to prepare. Ideally you should ensure that the tenants fill out evacuation forms upon move-in to inform you of where they will go and/or who will be responsible for their evacuation in the case of an emergency, stressesCandi Atkins, a housing consultant in Las Vegas.Perk: That very form also notifies the residents of important information, such as the closure of the building without reentry in the case of a mandatory evacuation. (Note: Review the sample evacuation form on page 87.)
A step further:
However, making the residents fill out a form is enough there is more to it. In case the place where your property is located has seasonal inclement weather, it is advised to hold a session at the beginning of the season to remind residents of all evacuation procedures and tips on how to prepare. You can also invite county officials from emergency planning to speak to tenants and answer any questions, recommendsBarbara Van Matre, a housing manager in Tampa, Florida.
Special accommodations:
Van Matre reminds that some of your residents with medically unfit, or even those with pets, will need to take extra steps to prepare for evacuation. It will come in handy if you, send a profile of those residents who would need special evacuation accommodations to your county's emergency management center just to make sure that you left no stones unturned in case of an emergency.
Triple check:
It is very possible that some of the residents who are more artful than required may sneak back to their units so it is certainly not a bad idea to go back checking even when you think that everybody is already evacuated. Inspect all buildings three times to make sure they're truly empty, and don't be afraid to call the police to have them explain the necessity of evacuation to your residents, says Atkins.
Keep it light:
You should certainly avoid fights with scared or angry residents and try to lighten the mood. Either you or your staff starts to panic; it will only worsen the situation. "We keep a very happy mood, we have a very good sense of humor here," she says. "Stay calm and collected; explain what may happen or what will happen." Your role is to alleviate stress, not add to it, advises Van Matre.
Partner With Local Agencies For Additional Support
If evacuation is not mandated by local authorities and you decide to shelter residents at your facility, make sure you're ready for the long haul. You may find it helpful if you take extra precautions for situations like power cut which may further irate the residents.
Make friends:
It is always comforting to know that you have people in the community to lean on in times of trouble. After Hurricane Gustav hit Houston this year, that support was critical, saysCharlotte Motley, a property manager for senior citizens. She tells us that when she ran out of fuel she was put on the emergency fuel list of a local nursing home. There was this other group which brought over barbeque pits to have a cookout in the driveway when power wasn't restored for days. Also, some Jewish Family Services helped many of the residents find housing when Motley's building announced unfit for habitation.
"From a management view, you do have to make sure you have your plan and you know the plan can work, but in addition to that, you have to know how to connect with the community" to get the help you need, Motley stressed.
Pull The Pieces Back Together With Ease
When the storm has passed you need to survey the damage, and stay in constant touch with residents so that you get back to normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
Planning their return:
"When can I go home?" is the top priority question for every resident after the storm is passed. You should stay in contact.You may want to avoid constant phone calls and interruptions, therefore setting up toll-free number tenants can call for current information is definitely a good idea, suggests Atkins. Make sure that you refresh the recorded message daily with updates on which units are ready for tenants' return or information on damages and delays.
Tip:
Ensure the number is established in a different location, which should not be facing that natural crisis.
Arranging transportation:
Review your log of where residents evacuated to be sure if anyone will need a ride back home, Atkins suggests. You may note that many public shelters will not offer return transportation, therefore your facility may have to use its bus or another vehicle to bring everyone home.
In short:
While natural disasters can certainly be unexpected, you don't have to be unprepared. If you follow the above steps it will most certainly ensure that the emergency response and recovery are just a little easier for both you and your residents.
