Do you have an emergency plan?

Started by MelissaP1 • 7 replies • 2082 views

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MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Our area was struck by tornados today. So far 2 reported dead but could be more. They can not get to all the areas yet. This made me think...Does your Hoa have an emegency plan? Is there a gathering spot? A contact tree?

I tried to make one for HOA afted we did get hit by a small tornado. Just took the top of a tree off and maybe a few roof shingles on a house. We have also had a house catch on fire. Which could damage or take out several houses due closeness. My last month as president had a tree fall on 2 houses. The tree being on common property.

So things happen. Having a plan may even help in other areas of communication or record keeping. Having a storm shelter is dependent on many issues and laws. It is not always a possibility for a HOA to have.

Just curious has anyone set up a plan and what is it? It may help posters to think of doing one themselves.

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

We don't have one and, to be honest, are working on other things. I suspect that to truly develop an emergency plan, it would take a lot of work for the developing stage and, at least, annual drills. This is not accounting for those who won't want to participate.

Our Church developed one after the tornado storms in April (last year? two years ago?). The basically have a phone tree and volunteers who are assigned to check on those who desire to participate (we don't participate).

Personally, I believe that a family should have an emergency plan (we do). But, unless your in a condominium, having an Association coordinate a gathering spot, etc. seems a little big brother government to me. Instead, I've gotten to know my neighbors and will check on them. I suspect that they will also check on me. However, I don't plan on it. It's nice if it happens but I don't plan on it happening. I have a tent, some firewood, ice chests and a grill. Worst case (for around here), I could camp in my back yard. Best case, I can offer shelter to others.

As a Board member, I will be sure to walk the property after I know my family and neighbors are safe. As a neighbor, I will walk the property to check on others.

If interested, here is some info:

Are you ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness by FEMA
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Through Preparedness by Citizen Corps
Get Prepared by American Red Cross
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS For Seniors By Seniors by American Red Cross
Be Red Cross Ready a personal preparedness handbook by American Red Cross

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

BTW, Glad to hear you are safe.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 04/28/2014 8:04 PM
Our area was struck by tornados today. So far 2 reported dead but could be more. They can not get to all the areas yet. This made me think...Does your Hoa have an emegency plan? Is there a gathering spot? A contact tree?

I tried to make one for HOA afted we did get hit by a small tornado. Just took the top of a tree off and maybe a few roof shingles on a house. We have also had a house catch on fire. Which could damage or take out several houses due closeness. My last month as president had a tree fall on 2 houses. The tree being on common property.

So things happen. Having a plan may even help in other areas of communication or record keeping. Having a storm shelter is dependent on many issues and laws. It is not always a possibility for a HOA to have.

Just curious has anyone set up a plan and what is it? It may help posters to think of doing one themselves.

I believe the Community Association Institute website (CAI) has some information on preparing one for a HOA. I recall one tip suggesting that the HOA contact the Red Cross or its local police or fire department (preferably both) to assist in developing a plan. You might also be able to adapt some of the information Tim provided to the HOA.

For example, it’s helpful for homeowners to give the property manager an emergency number where they can be contacted or leave a message, especially if they’re renting out the unit. Homeowners might also want to tell the property manager if a resident is homebound or uses certain medical equipment (e.g. oxygen or home dialysis machine) so that information could be forwarded immediately to paramedics or the fire department to check those homes

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

This may be good information for people to add into their HOA newsletters. Even if it's just individual tips for having a plan. It's always good to have communication with the emergency personnel like fire department and police. We had an issue with emergency vehicles unable to get in and out our narrow roads. We worked with them to make parking on 1 side of the street only so they can come in and out.

It may even be a good idea to open your clubhouse up for a possible shelter if it may be safe. Allow it to be an emergency meeting place. Maybe provide some kind of flag or label to residents. The label with the number of people or pets in the home. A flag for notifying if you need help, have evacuated, or are okay. Each one having a different color. It doesn't have to be complicated.

They have basically closed an county and a city here. It is completely inaccessible for over 20 miles. Around 100 poles knocked down and trees blocking roads. Taking a while to find out if my friends have made it or not. Many have had their homes destroyed. More proof living in or out of a HOA, your home is still subject to a catastrophe...Just take the proper steps to be safe and organized.

Former HOA President

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Here's a link to an article I just found on disaster planning for HOAs:

http://www.hoa-usa.com/files/documents/ModelDisasterPlan_HOA_USA_08222011.pdf

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

AllisonD (Florida)
Posts: 449

Posted:

I have an emergency/hurricane plan for my HOA and I use a reverse call service to send calls out to all my residents. Contact me at [email protected] if you would like a copy.

AllisonD (Florida)
Posts: 449

Posted:

I have an emergency/hurricane plan for my HOA and I use a reverse call service to send calls out to all my residents. Contact me at [email protected] if you would like a copy.

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