What Property Managers Should Know About Storm Preparedness

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

A disaster recovery plan is a fundamental part of great property management

Prepare Your Business From Storm And The Aftermath

As a responsible commercial property manager, you should have a detailed plan before the storm season starts. While there should be insurance policies in place to help cover storm damage losses and a complete water cleanup plan, storm preparedness also includes a thorough recovery plan. From staffing to security to documented procedures, there are many elements to a comprehensive recovery approach that requires detailed and careful planning. If you find yourself facing an approaching weather event in Weldon Spring, MO, you’ll be glad that you took the time to prepare for the storm as well as the aftermath.

Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan
A disaster recovery plan is a fundamental part of great property management. While a storm preparedness plan varies from place to place, it should include these elements:

• Master contact list, which includes emergency response numbers
  
• Communication protocols, including an alert system for tenants
  
• Service contracts review, to determine what services are available during recovery
  
• Safety and emergency procedures checklists
  
• Identification of emergency personnel
  
• Documentation of pre-storm conditions
  
• Backup of property records and important files
  
• Review of existing insurance policies for adequate coverage
  
• Plans in place for contractors to mobilize on critical repairs
  
  

Property management staff should work with the owners to prepare a recovery plan as well as take steps to make sure that individual units are made ready to minimize storm damage as much as possible.

Dealing with the Storm Aftermath
While storms and the damage left in their wake are largely unpredictable, a storm preparedness plan can help minimize the time it takes to restore things back to pre-event conditions. A complete inspection and survey of the property is necessary to assess the extent of damages. As the property manager, you should communicate to tenants and other staff regarding the state of the property and information concerning disaster relief. Authorizations and signatories should be in place to expedite repair and restoration work for the most essential elements of the property.