Resources for Hurricane Preparedness

Posted By: Laureen Crowley FAA News,

Hurricane Advisory

As Florida closely watches Hurricane Irma, 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 gathered from apartment associations and management companies that have experience dealing with hurricanes. 

  • 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.

Download a comprehensive hurricane checklist from the Texas Apartment Association's Disaster Preparedness Guide

NAA resources

NAA Emergency and Disaster Library

10 Things to Do When Dealing with a Hurricane, Units, 2008

Local Affiliate Resources, including links to regional agencies

Apartment Association of Greater Orlando

North Central Florida Apartment Association

South East Florida Apartment Association

South West Florida Apartment Association

Additional resources

NOAA Extreme Weather Information Sheets by Region

Evacuation Routes - State of Florida

Help Creating a Plan - State of Florida

Download the FEMA Mobile App (in English or Spanish)

Florida Department of Financial Services free Emergency Financial Preparedness Toolkit

Checklist Based on Lessons from Katrina, Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans

Supplies and provisions recommended by the Florida Department of Emergency Management

Tips to Prepare Financially for a Hurricane