Property Management Council

Update your Hurricane Readiness Plan

By: Chantal R. Bachar, Broker, Coastal Beach Florida Vacations, LLC

Ready or not, it’s hurricane season again. Are you prepared?

FACTS

The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. The first storm of the 2021 season has formed: Tropical Storm Andres, and it’s a history-maker as the earliest calendar year named storm formation on record.

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Here are some helpful tips if your business is managing rental properties for absentee owners.

Review your property management agreement; does it address disaster preparedness? Educate your owners and occupants regarding the dangers of hurricane season. Send an email blast to owners and occupants with important storm-related information.

STORM PREP

As a property manager, you might be the only one educating your owners and occupants on what do in case a hurricane threatens. Remember to share these important tips:

Research updated evacuation routes and shelters (including pet-friendly shelters). Gather together necessary supplies like bottled water, snacks, first-aid kit, flashlights and batteries. Adequately prepare all properties (including vacant properties), and keep items such as real estate signs or patio furniture stored as they can become projectiles during a storm. Update personnel records – distribute an emergency contact list for your staff and ask tenants for their current contact information.

BEFORE THE STORM

Before the storm season arrives, it’s important to educate your owners and occupants on what they need to be mindful of during hurricane season. For instance, what is the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning? For those visiting Florida from out of state, they most likely don’t know the difference. A hurricane watch is an announcement for specific areas indicating that a hurricane poses a threat generally within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, home preparations need to be made and residents must review evacuation routes in case a hurricane or tropical storm warning is issued.

If a hurricane warning is issued, this indicates that hurricane winds of 74 mph and higher are expected, and/or any combination or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected. When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent. It is of the utmost importance that ALL precautionary measures and actions be instituted immediately for the protection of life and property.

Confirm property insurance records are current, and rental insurance for occupants if your business requires the same. Have a plan to manage your business, and your staff should you be impacted, and communicate updates on your website.

AFTER THE STORM

Visually inspect properties for damage only after the storm has passed and there is no risk of downed power lines, flooding, or other dangers.

Stay safe! Communicate with occupants by checking on their safety and address concerns. If there are visual damages, ask occupants to email visual assessments for owners. If the property is unoccupied, have visual assessments sent to property owners as needed. Communicate with owners, advising assessment results and contact their insurance company.

INSURANCE CLAIMS

Dealing with Insurance claims can be tricky. Regardless of whether you have a power of attorney for your owner, consult with your attorney on whether you should negotiate or settle the owner’s property insurance claim with their insurer. Don’t sign any documents that should be sent to the owner outside of your attorneys advice.

RASM enables you to Reach Further.TM We provide a comprehensive suite of communications to keep you informed about market trends in residential real estate, member spotlights, advocacy issues and networking events.

Reach Further with RASM’s Property Management Council.

The mission of the Property Management Council (PMC) is to create a strong network of connected and well-educated property managers in Sarasota and Manatee counties who uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics through a high standard of professionalism.

MyRASM.com/PMC

Denise Ricciotti propertymanagers@myrasm.com (941) 952-3404