3 minute read
Matt Steele
When the Next Storm Hits Here’s a guide to community association emergency planning, response and recovery.
MATT STEELE
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Be Prepared
• Maintain important documents and ensure that they are accessible digitally, including insurance policies and occupant lists. • Have a communication system in place for owners (TownSq, Volo, website). • Maintain a contact list of emergency response contractors for water extraction, boarding up, security and utilities. • Make sure that you have employee emergency contact numbers and set up a protocol for them to check in.
Control the Scene
• Inspect the site for areas that could present a hazard or potential hazard. • Determine whether elevators need to be shut down. • Is there a risk of debris falling? If so, remove it.
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• Is access to the property being controlled to block unrelated parties, looters, media, contractors looking for work, nosy neighbors? • Determine whether access to certain areas of the building and grounds needs to be restricted.
Insurance
• Have a list of the insurance coverage in place. • Which policies are applicable? Wind? Flood? • What are the deductibles and how will they be funded? • What are your options under the governing documents to pay for the deductible or uninsured losses? • Will you need to do a special assessment, get a bank loan? • Is there coverage for code or ordinance of law? • Are there items not covered by the association’s policy that an owner can submit to their H06 carrier? • Will owners’ H06 policies cover any assessments levied by the association?
Repairs/Recovery
• The board should immediately work with management to select a licensed and vetted contractor in a timely manner to commence recovery efforts. • Time is of the essence since owners’ additional living expense insurance coverage is limited. • Beware of signing any authorizations presented by contractors who may show up to your site uninvited shortly after a loss. • Be sure to check a contractor’s references, work history, licenses and insurance prior to engaging in a contract. • Understand the association’s obligation for non-covered items. • Create a cadence for communicating with owners regarding the status of repairs, access to their units and contractors who will be on the property. • Hold regular progress meetings for the board to report to owners and listen to homeowner concerns. • Agree on a time schedule for repairs ❖
Matt Steele is senior vice president of Associa, responsible for the oversight of several Associa service entities throughout North America. He was formerly senior VP of branch operations for the west/southwest region, VP of field services, and president of Associa’s Real Property Management in Ohio. Reach him at msteele@associaonline.com or visit www.associaonline.com.
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