Resources to Aid Multifamily Operators During Hurricane Season

August 28, 2023

Posted By: Robert Carroll (Member) in Industry News,

It's hurricane season, and multifamily owners and managers have a unique challenge to provide information and support to residents as well as to protect property.

Here are some recommendations to consider when a hurricane or tropical storm threatens, gathered from apartment associations and management companies based on their experience.

Monitor local media for weather conditions and emergency information.
Obtain emergency contact numbers for residents, and be sure they know what number to call for community information.
Provide team members contact information for all team members and management contact person.
Ask residents to move furniture, plants, and other items from patios and balconies and place them indoors.
Advise residents to fill bathtubs with water that can be used to flush toilets if necessary. Even residents who are evacuating may need water supplies upon their return.
Ask residents who are evacuating to remove perishable food from refrigerators, to avoid having to clean out spoiled food in the event of a lengthy power outage.
Drain pools about two feet. Move pool furniture, trash cans, outdoor seating, etc., indoors. Remove items from stairwells and walkways.
Open property access gates that may become unoperational in the event of a power outage.