With any luck, we will not go from one disaster to the next but it’s important to be prepared. It’s likely the hurricane season will open with us still dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 virus. It’s more important than ever to be ready for hurricane season this year, as many things we are used to having easy access to may function differently in the wake of Covid-19.
We don’t yet know how easy it will be to shop for hurricane supplies in the wake of social distancing, we also don’t know what the availability of hurricane shelters will be or if available how they will or will not handle limiting exposure to Covid-19. Add to the decrease in options when it comes to flights and supply chain issues and you will begin to understand that it is more important than ever to be prepared.
If you have a choice, you might want to spend hurricane season somewhere that does not have exposure to hurricanes. But for those who have no other options now is the time to stock up on hurricane supplies. It’s also a good idea if you live in an evacuation zone to make arrangements to stay with a friend or relative outside of the evacuation zone.
If you will be staying away for hurricane season be sure to remember to clear balconies and patios of furniture and other items that could damage your unit or that of your neighbors. Most associations don’t have the funds or the manpower to handle accessing units and removing items from balconies or patios that should have been removed by the unit owner.
As we have learned during the Covid-19 virus Florida law gives the board broad emergency powers when the governor declares a state of emergency. These powers include the ability to hold board meetings with little or no notice along with the ability to make decisions that are designed to protect the property and owners as well as mitigate damage.
Hurricanes can result in loss of power, water, and other utilities along with limited or even no access to emergency services. Owners can’t depend on Fire Rescue, the board, or management to provide any services during a hurricane and therefore they should be self-reliant.
Once the storm is over it could take some time for utilities to be restored and repairs to begin. Until the electrical grid is stable it is unlikely the elevator and even water service will be available in many buildings.
Please make your plans now to keep yourself and your family safe. Be sure management has an emergency cell phone number on file along with an email address where you can receive updates before and after the storm.
For more hurricane information see “Helpful Information” on our website https://royalemanagement.com/helpful-information/.
