2 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
FEATURES
6
Caught In A Storm By Justin Berk Big thuderstorms can appear suddenly. Knowing how to track a storm and having a clear protocol in place will keep your pool running smoothly.
12
Cover Up By Jim Zell Custom-made from either a mesh or solid material, a pool cover protects the pool from damage, while increasing the safety of the facility.
24
All In A Day's Work By Bridgette Flora Last summer, lifeguard Collin Groves was forced to put his emergency training to the test. Thankfully, he was ready and prepared when a patron needed him the most.
27
Ready For Anything By Bill Worrall You can't predict emergencies, but you can prepare for them. Every community should have a solid emergency preparedness plan in place.
CONTENT
4
Message from Mitch
6
Caught In A Storm
10
Lifeguards: A Pool's First Line Of Safety
12
Cover Up
15
Signature Place At Garfield
18
I Saw The Sign
21
Why Winterize?
22
Trust Your Pool Guy
24
All In A Day's Work
27
Ready For Anything
30
Reflections / Safety
United Work & Travel offers international students the opportunity to live and work in the United States on a cultural exchange program while making friends and gaining valuable life experiences.
1-866-IGO2USA
service@unitedworkandtravel.com
FALL 2014  Aquatic Leader Magazine  3
C AUGHT IN A STOR M P OOL S A F E T Y W HE N W E AT HE R H A P P E N S BY JU S T IN BE R K
6 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
I
am a pool owner. I am a dad. I am a meteorologist. Heck, my oldest son and I even developed Kid Weather, a mobile weather app. I’m pretty vigilant about weather safety, especially around water. But even us experts know that some things are out of our control. Take these two events from last summer. One week in July I took my two boys (four and eight years old) to a public pool for evening swim lessons. On one particular day, we were expecting a line of severe storms. The good meteorologist and dad that I am, I kept my iPhone nearby while the boys were swimming. I dutifully checked the radar and made frequent updates about the storm to my Facebook page. In another area of the pool facility, a diving competition was in full swing. As I followed the growing list of western counties under severe thunderstorm warnings, I calculated when the band of storms would reach us. It looked like they would hold out until the end of the lesson, but I warned the instructors just in case. Halfway through the lesson, a low, distant rumble of thunder was jut barely audible above my boys’ splashing and giggling in the water. The lifeguards were aware and cautious, clearing the pool immediately. Once again, I took a look at my radar and lightning tracker. We still had a good 20 minutes before the storm would be above us, but it’s
Photograph by David DeHetre
better to be safe than sorry. I was surprised by what happened next. The head lifeguard announced that swimmers could re-enter the pool again in five minutes. This was a red flag. I introduced myself and told the lifeguards that it was a bad idea to allow anyone back into the water. The storms were on their way, bringing even more lightening and thunder.
"Weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. At the same time, you should expect the unexpected." While appreciative, the lifeguards had other problems on their hands. Despite the thunder, the diving coaches refused to pull their divers from the pool, which agitated other swimmers and parents. Why were the divers allowed to stay in, if everyone else was forced out? The lifeguards made their decision: everyone could re-enter the pool after five minutes. Sure enough by the time the kids waded back into the water for their lesson, thunder rolled again and the lifeguards blew their whistles. The storm meant business, racing towards our area at a forward speed of 50 miles per hour (mph). Thankfully the young swimmers
were out of the water and on their way home when it finally hit. In fact, the guards closed up the facility completely, leaving the divers to finish their competition another day. Unfortunately another group of kids were not so lucky that day. The storm hit a nearby summer camp head on. While a warning was in place, the squall’s speed caught young counselors off guard. Following protocol, they moved to a designated safe bunker. But in transit, a microburst of wind toppled trees, trapping a group of campers underneath broken branches. Sadly, a 12-year-old boy was crushed to death. The lessons of both of these situations are universal: weather can be unpredictable and dangerous. At the same time, you should expect the unexpected.
The Anatomy of a Storm You don’t need to be a meteorologist to prepare for a storm, but knowing how storms form is useful in understanding the bigger picture. Thunderstorms may seem to appear and disappear very quickly. In fact, each one follows a distinct pattern, which is how meteorologists can predict – for the most part – when they will arrive and what they will look like. There are three components to any thunderstorm: moisture, instability and lift. The moisture forms clouds
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 7
Make Your Pool| Rock Caught In A Storm Feature|
Feature
and rain. Warm, unstable air rises rapidly. Lifts are created from fronts, sea breezes and mountains. On a typical summer day, the sun heats the earth and the air above it. This warm air rises, and if it is pushed upward even faster, a cumulous cloud is created. This is the development stage of a thunderstorm. Rain begins to fall in the mature stage, producing a column of air, called a downdraft, that pushes towards the ground. The rain cools the air quickly, encouraging gusty winds
to form, along with lightning and thunder. In the thundercloud, small particles of ice crystalize and collide, producing an electrical charge. As positive charges collect at the top of the cloud, negative charges collect at the bottom. At the same time, a positive charge takes shape on the ground or water beneath the cloud, creating a lightning strike. Hail can form when small water droplets are pulled into the updraft of a storm. As these droplets rise higher and higher, they freeze and then fall as little balls of ice.
8  Aquatic Leader Magazine  FALL SPRING 2014 2014
Eventually the precipitation overcomes the updraft, moving the storm into its last stage: dissipation. Rainfall slows down, but there is still the danger of strong winds and lightning.
Lightning Strikes Especially around pools, lightning is the biggest worry in a thunderstorm. That’s because water is the perfect conductor of electricity. At the same time, swimmers protrude from the water, acting as the positive ground charge that can create a lightning strike.
Photograph by Andrew Bossi
PREPARING FOR THE STORM In a really large storm – like a hurricane – you have time to prepare your property. Follow this advice to keep your facilities safe from harm when the weather is particularly bad.
Don’t empty the water As long as your pool has a functioning drainage system, there’s no threat of it overflowing thanks to torrential rains. If you’re preparing for a hurricane or other slow moving storm, leave your pool water alone. In a thunderstorm, the best thing to remember is the 30:30 rule, which comes in two parts. First this little ditty: If 30 seconds from flash to boom, be safe and run to a room. Next, you should wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder before heading outside. One storm can pass, with another right on its heels. Rain is not always an indicator of danger, and clear skies don’t always mean safe swimming. Storms can produce lightning away from the rain shaft. Therefore, heading indoors before the rain starts can save lives. Remember, sound travels roughly five seconds per mile, giving swimmers plenty of time to exit the pool before the storm is close enough to do real damage. But simply counting the seconds between a flash of lightning and clap of thunder won’t tell you how many miles away the storm is. You need to divide that number by five. If you count 10 seconds between lightning and thunder, the storm is only two miles away.
Wind Swept It doesn’t take a twister to upend everything sitting by the pool. Most thunderstorms have a push of cooler air ahead of the rain. While this can
be a simple downdraft or gust front, it can also indicate the presence of strong, straight-line winds. Only storms with winds greater than 58 mph are considered severe and issued a warning by the National Weather Service. But a storm with 50 or 55 mph winds will not feel much different from 58 mph winds, especially outside. The big concern here is flying debris. By the pool, this can include towels, toys, and swimmers’ personal belongings. Large sun umbrellas can act like sails, carrying tables or chairs with them. Sure, big thunderstorms and other severe weather can appear suddenly. But tracking the weather should be front-of-mind for any pool owner or manager. Because storms can travel quickly, designate someone as the weather-safety lookout, keeping an eye on weather reports and conditions. The best tools for this job include a weather radio, television program, or mobile app to obtain localized, advanced weather information. Knowing that a storm is on the way helps everyone prepare for the worst. At the same time, having a clear protocol in place — including the 30:30 rule, evacuation routes and safe places to wait out a storm — will keep your pool running smoothly, no matter the weather.
Turn off the power Even thunderstorms can cause surges that damage electrical systems, so it’s a good idea to turn off power to your pool equipment. Do this at the circuit breaker itself, which is easy enough to turn back on when the bad weather has passed.
Don’t cover the pool Yes, you’ll have some cleaning up to do, removing debris from the water. At the same time, branches and other debris could puncture or rip a pool cover, which is expensive to replace.
Secure all pool furniture, umbrellas and other accessories Even heavy lounge chairs and broad umbrellas can be picked up and tossed during a severe storm. Before winds hit, bring smaller items into a covered storage area and tie down anything that is too heavy to move easily.
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 9
Cover Up Winter Safet y Covers for Commercial Pools By Jim Zell
12 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
W
ith autumn in full force, the days are growing shorter, temps are falling, and the kids are back in school. This is the time of year when pools are cleaned, winterized and closed up tight until spring. For commercial pools, closing can seem daunting and overwhelming. There are so many things that need to be done to wrap up the end of the swimming season and ensure the safety of the pool site while it is not in use. Chairs and umbrellas can be stored in enclosed areas, but what should you do with the pool itself? Should it be left open to the elements? Or should it be covered? While covers are common for residential pools, in the past commercial pool covers were ineffective and costprohibitive. But with recent advances in designs, commercial covers are less expensive and more effective, keeping these facilities safe and clean during the winter months. A safety cover is designed to protect the pool when it is not in use for long stretches of time. Custommade from either a mesh or solid material, a cover protects the pool from damage, while upping the safety of the facility.
Uncovered, Unprotected
When an uncovered pool is left open to the elements during the off-season, it becomes an eyesore, especially if it is centrally located, where patrons and potential patrons can see it. In a matter of weeks, this focal point can become discolored or filled with debris, making the facility less attractive. And the potential problems are not merely aesthetic. An uncovered pool can be more difficult to clean in later months, and filling it can be costly and risky, especially year after year. Perhaps the biggest concern is safety. Uncovered pools are also vulnerable to vandalism and unauthorized use. Fences and gates are
Pool covers can be customized to any pool size and are held securely in place by steel tension springs hooked into anchors in the pool deck.
not always enough of a deterrent to children, teens, pets and wild animals. If someone is hurt in an uncovered, closed pool, the pool’s management and owners can be sued, resulting in large fines or settlements. Safety covers offer another layer of protection, preventing people and animals from getting in the pool — even if they have skirted a fence. This brings peace of mind and provides a level of comfort to patrons who live near the pool.
Images provided by Merlin Industries Inc. | www.merlinindustries.com
Cover Characteristics
Luckily, safety covers designed for commercial pool environment are not only recommended but also readily available. In recent years, the design process has evolved and matured. Covers can be customized to fit any shape, angle, curve and water feature, including raised walls, waterfalls and other obstructions. They can be cut to fit around guard chairs, spray park features and nonremovable railings. Each step of the design and manufacturing process
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 13
Cover Up | Feature
can be tailored to a pool’s shape and features, ensuring the utmost safety and ease of use. Just be certain that your pool professional takes detailed and accurate measurements. Solid safety covers feature pumps or drain panels that keep water from collecting on the cover. Because of this, they are best suited for smaller commercial environments. Mesh covers are recommended for larger installations. Both styles of covers are designed to stay taut and tight over the pool. The cover is secured by crisscrossed straps connected to springs, which are attached to anchors installed into the surrounding deck area. Mesh covers come in a variety of styles and applications. An important feature to consider is the shade protection offered by covers. When sunlight has limited access to the water, algae growth is stunted while the pool is closed. The higher the shade-protection percentage, the better defense against off-season algae growth. In addition, certain meshes are manufactured specifically for high wind, high–stress applications – conditions that many
"When a pool is covered, springcleaning is much less costly and faster." commercial pools may face. Special padding is also available for these types of pool sites as well. Once springtime rolls around, safety covers can play a large role in getting the pool swim-ready as soon as possible. Once the cover is removed and folded and the deck anchors are set flush to the decking, managers and maintenance crews can focus on pool water quality that same day. When a pool is covered, spring-cleaning is much less costly and faster. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your pool facility aesthetically pleasing and safer during the winter months, consider a safety cover. These accessories have become necessities in recent years, vital tools for keeping your patrons safe and your pool hassle-free during the off-season, with the added benefit of easing the way at opening time.
14 14 Aquatic AquaticLeader LeaderMagazine Magazine FALL FALL2014 2014
Signature Place At G a r fi eld
Constructing An Oasis For A Luxary Townhome Community By Ben Basch
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 15
Signature Place at Garfield | Construction Spotlight
W
ith the U.S. housing market in recovery, developers are unveiling ambitious projects that target new homebuyers. One of these is the Signature Place at Garfield Community, located in Bergen County, New Jersey, a mere 12-miles from Manhattan. Designed as an attractive option for renters looking to buy, Signature Place earned the New Jersey Builders Association’s Community of the Year award in 2014. And one of the most visible amenities is the outdoor pool. The developer behind the new construction, PulteGroup, reached out to American Pool to manage the pool’s construction. With a classic straight-walled pool and generous sun shelf, the pool is a focal point for the community, offering ample space for activities and social-
16 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
izing. A premium, exposed aggregate finish was engineered to look better and last longer than standard white plaster and marble dust. But it’s not just the look of the pool that matters. Of course the facility complies with federal and local requirements, which keeps residents and their guests safe and sound. And this required tight coordination with subcontractors working along a broad spectrum of construction. “It’s our job to make sure that these projects run as smoothly as possible for our client” said Brian Bergeski, vice president of construction services at American Pool in Edison, NJ. “The pool area is a really specific environment, and we invest a fair amount of time coordinating and overseeing the other trades. Electricians, fencing and concrete installers aren’t always familiar with the
special requirements associated with the pool’s construction.” In accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) drains and covers were constructed to reduce the dangers of suction entrapment. The Signature Place pool features a pair of nine-inch Hayward VGBA-compliant drain covers, which are expected to last for seven years. So that all residents and guests – regardless of their physical abilities – can use pool, a handicap lift was anchored to the pool deck. The lift can be removed for winter storage, and in addition, it is smaller than the wheeled, portable options. Of course, the electrical system was an important consideration. Before the pool shell was shot, the steel cage was bonded with appropriate fasteners in at least four locations. All of the pool lights and ladder
anchors inside the pool shell were also bonded prior to the gunite shoot. Once the coping was installed and the area was ready for concrete, an equipotential grid was laid out. All of the deck-mounted equipment was then connected to the in-pool work to form a continuous bond. Finally, after the filter room equipment was bonded, the entire system was retested and certified to ensure nothing had been compromised during the construction process. FirstService Residential was contracted as the community’s property management team, which opted for a full-service lifeguard plan. This was an easy transition thanks to American Pool New Jersey's pool management team. Because first aid and rescue items were included in
the original build contract, getting ready for opening day was a cinch. In addition, American Pool designed the furniture layout and made sure that everything was ready for the very first swimmers. “This was my first community with an outside pool amenity,” said Elizabeth Napoletano portfolio manager for FirstService Residential. “So it was critical that we hired a knowledgeable swimming pool management firm so that the season went as smoothly as possible. American Pool took care of all of our needs and the first pool season at my site was a great success.” With careful planning and attention to details, Signature Place’s pool opened to brand new residents on time and within budget.
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 17
I Saw the Sign | Signage Spotlight
By Sara Dechowitz
M
anaging a pool involves constant attention to detail. From openings, closings and scheduled maintenance in-between, little things can make a big difference to the overall operation of your pool. Pool signage is a critical detail that is often overlooked. The graphics on pool signs represent important messages and provide clarification to those who may not be able to read, mainly small children. Signage communicates information to pool patrons, managers and
18 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
operators, including pool safety rules, occupant capacity and emergency numbers. Although these signs can help prevent emergencies from occurring, if an emergency should occur, signage can mean the difference between life and death. Take some time before peak season to take inventory of the signage at your pool. Walk through your facility and note the location of your signs. Are they placed at eye level? Is the text still readable? Is there a location that is lacking proper signage? It's a
good idea to include others in the walkthrough—perhaps an employee who isn't familiar with the layout of your facility—to give an alternative perspective. They might suggest that signs aren’t optimally placed or that a certain area has too many signs and is overwhelming. Each state has different requirements when it comes to pool signage. The National Swimming Pool Foundation offers specific information for each state on their website. Make sure your pool is following regulations by checking on local laws.
POOL RULES 1. All persons must shower before entering the water. 2. Any person showing evidence of any communicable skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes, cold, nasal or ear discharges, or any other communicable disease is not permitted in the pool. 3. Any person with excessive sunburn, open blisters, cuts, or bandages is not permitted in the pool. 4. Do not enter the water if you are experiencing or recovering from diarrhea or have had any signs or symptoms of a gastrointestinal (stomach) disease in the past seven days. 5. All children in diapers must wear plastic pants with snug fitting elastic waist and leg bands. Do not wash out soiled diapers in the bathing water. 6. Children should be encouraged to use the restroom before entering the water. Immediately report any “accidents� you observe in the bathing waters to a lifeguard. 7. No animals, except for is spa.animals, are allowed in the g thservice terin swimming wading pool, or spa fore enpool, be ose dressing rooms, or tharea, 1. Shower other parts ofeld ly persons, n, theerenclosure. high or me tes,and wo nt na containersdis areea prohibited in food drink areas. se, diabe 2. Preg 8. Glass m t ar ptionof others is he escri prand the safety comfort g fro which endangers using suffe9.rinConduct re, or those thout prohibited. su wi es a pr sp od is blo Outdoor bathing isnoprohibited low 10. enter th t during an electrical storm. m ld ou ission fro rminfluence ions sh d pethe 11. at Persons suspected at beingan under of drugs or medic nsult of ion dicalarecoprohibited alcohol from entering the water. prior me
SPA RULES
ars American Pool r. | 1-877-920-POOL docto under 16 ye their by children rvised use 3. Unsupe ted. ibi nce of oh pr lue is inf e of age ile under th e this spa wh antihistamines, ts, 4. Do not us lan gu oa lan tic mu ts, alcohol, an dilators, sti ctors, vaso ize rs. vasoconstri or tranquil s, tic rco na hypnotics, ne. a while alo en t use this sp it on time sp 5. Do not te time lim nu mi 15 a sures may 6. There is Long continuous ex po inting. in the spa. ness, or fa usea, di zzi result in na 0-POOL
American
7-92 Pool | 1-87
20 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
Trust Your Pool Guy By Scott Small
22 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
All In A Day's Work By Bridgette Flora
L
ifeguards are like lifeboats and life jackets: you feel safer having them but hope that you won’t need them. Relaxing by the cool waters of a pool is one of the best places to be during hot weather, and to an outsider it might look like lifeguards get paid for doing exactly that. But those with lifeguarding knowledge know that while the job may appear relaxing, the responsibility of watching over a pool and its patrons can be stressful. The occupation is difficult because it requires constant vigilance and the ability to react at a moment’s notice. Last summer, lifeguard Collin Groves was forced to put his emergency training to the test. Thankfully, he was ready and prepared when a patron needed him the most. Collin was on duty when a patron found herself in desperate need of help. This young, female, and disabled swimmer frequented the pool on hot summer days with her parents.
24 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
Using an inflatable tube wrapped around her torso, she swam along in the water, enjoying the contrast of the warm sun and chilly pool water. Suddenly, her floating device ruptured. Without it, she was unable to swim, so she began to drown. Collin, who was patrolling the pool, immediately noticed she was in distress. He dove into the water with his rescue tube. “I wasn’t nervous because I was too busy,” Collin says. “In the first few seconds on my way [to the patron] I was processing what I should do.” Within seconds, he grabbed her, pulled her up to the surface and swam back to her mother. Once in the shallow end, her parents helped him bring her out of the water using an aquatic wheelchair. Collin’s amazing rescue is certainly commendable. He attributes his lifeguard training and focused attention for his quick reaction. “Always pay attention because you never know when something is going to happen,” he says.
Naturally, the girl’s parents were thankful for Collin’s quick reaction. “His situational awareness and timely response were of the highest order,” her father said. “I have also noted his professional sense of duty on numerous other occasions as well. I regularly see him on patrol, walking the perimeter of the pool in a heightened state of alert.” Of course protecting lives is what lifeguarding is all about. “You do whatever it takes to get it done, but if you’re trained then you know what type of save to do,” Collin says. In this case, Collin knew to use the deepwater active drowning victim rear rescue save technique. He approached the victim with his recue tube, scooping it under her arms. In that position, he was able to hold her on the tube, until he could swim to safety. Of course Collin isn’t the only responsible and courageous lifeguard in the world. Great
ALLIANT
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES GROUP
THE NEW OPTION
“Alliant understands the risks associated with general, trade and service contractors. From design to implementation to completed operations, they are the most knowledgeable and attentive broker in the industry. Trust Alliant to exceed your surety and insurance program expectations.”
Rick Naden
President and CFO, American Pool Enterprises, Inc.
For more information, please contact: Scott Cleinman, Senior Vice President | 602.707.1903 scleinman@alliant.com |www.alliant.com
26 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
Photograph by Karin Hildebrand Lau
READY FOR ANYTHING
Everything You Need To Know About Emergency Preparedness By Bill Worrall
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 27
Ready For Anything | Feature
I
t’s 2:00 AM, and you get the call. A water main has broken and the basement is flooding in your managed property. Are you ready to handle it? Building emergencies can run the gamut – from a power outage to a gas leak to a flood, or in the worst scenarios, a fire or a shooting. What’s the one thing these situations almost always have in common? They catch you off guard. That’s why a comprehensive emergency plan is a must, making the difference between an emergency situation that escalates into a crisis and one that is resolved efficiently and effectively.
Prepping for the Plan You can’t predict emergencies, but you can prepare for them. The facility’s equipment, emergency processes and residents’ needs dictate the details of an emergency’s preparedness plan. A capable property management company can help in analyzing your specific situation. What should be considered? Start with the following:
Personnel Who is on staff to handle emergency situations? Have you collected a readily accessible list of emergency contacts and contractors? Well-trained building staff and property managers understand their roles during an emergency. Prevention is also key. Perform regular hazard assessments and examinations of the building’s safety systems to keep the threat of emergency low.
Facilities Are your residents prepared to shelter in place? Where do they go if they must leave the building in an emergency? And what happens if they cannot re-enter or stay in their residences immediately following an emergency, like a storm or fire? Evacuation facilities, temporary shelter areas, first-aid stations and even decontamination facilities are important considerations. Then put a plan in place to direct residents to these facilities during the emergency.
Equipment Keep emergency response equipment, first aid supplies, fire protection and fire suppression equipment readily available for residents and staff to use, if necessary. In addition, store emergency supplies, including a stockpile of water, flashlights, LED lanterns, glow sticks, and batteries in designated areas. Two-way walkie-talkies are also a good idea for building staff and security. Your property management firm can suggest an updated checklist of emergency items. In addition, all emergency generators should be tested on an on-going basis to be sure they are working properly for any situation that may arise.
Planning for the Worst Part of emergency preparedness is planning for anything. That includes the possibility of an active shooter on your property. This is a terrifying thought, but being ready for any possibility literally saves lives. Designate a board member who will liaise with law enforcement should this type of incident take place. Make sure residents know to lock doors and entranceways.
28 Aquatic Leader Magazine FALL 2014
Should you find yourself in an active shooter situation, follow the guidelines of ALICE:
A
Alert board members, property management and residents to the threat.
L
Lockdown the area and barricade doors once you’ve reached a safe area.
I
Inform the authorities when it is safe to do so.
C
Counter attack if you happen to come in contact with the shooter (though the first priority should be staying away).
E
Evacuate if possible, running in a zig zag line. Most of all, listen and give support to the authorities once they arrive.
Building Systems Are your sprinkler systems and fire alarms up to date and in working order? Do you have audio communication systems and defibrillators throughout the building? Some emergencies must be managed without directly entering the premises. Therefore, HVAC, security, and communication systems that can be operated remotely are a smart investment. The right property management firm can help you secure competitive bids for these upgrades, so that you get the best value.
Back-up Systems Consider system redundancies that can be implemented to improve building safety, such as backup power or generators. Emergency lighting and photo luminescent exit signs reduce confusion and panic in an emergency, by directing residents to safety. Think through recovery and support systems so that they can be put into practice as soon as possible following an emergency. Be sure to test these routinely for readiness.
Communicating the Plan Having an emergency preparedness plan is not enough. This plan must be shared with and understood by all residents, building staff and management. One of the best ways to get resident buy-in and raise awareness of the plan is to disseminate a printed guidebook with all relevant contact numbers, as well as instructions on how to react to any type of emergency. Email links to demonstration or instructional videos to help residents visualize and better understand the plan and building procedures. Post procedures in a conspicuous location in the building, like the mailroom. It is a great idea to establish a building emergency team, comprised of board members, superintendents, building security personnel
and resident volunteers. The role of this team is to lead communication and plan deployment before, during and after an emergency, as well as to spearhead continued communication efforts to residents throughout the year. Your property management firm can help establish and guide this team. The building emergency team should also initiate regular safety drills and host periodic meetings to review the building’s emergency preparedness plan and update residents on any changes to emergency procedures. Some condos and co-ops arrange for informational presentations by their local offices of emergency manage-
ment and fire departments. This not only provides residents with useful information, but also helps them feel more secure. No matter how prepared you are, it can be easy for communication to break down during an emergency. Avoid this trouble with a master emergency contact list (including a list of residents with special needs) paired with a reliable resident alert system that sends automated email, phone and text messages to residents in an emergency. It is also very important to note apartments with elderly residents or those who may not be technologically savvy. Appoint floor monitors to assist during all emergencies also.
Residential buildings are at risk for emergencies every day. Every community should have a solid emergency preparedness plan in place. Planning is a critical first step, but training, drills, regular testing of building safety features and equipment and a commitment to regularly revisiting the plan are other important tools. It’s a big job – and a property management company can help.
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 29
FALL 2014 Aquatic Leader Magazine 31