ARE WE TOO COMPLACENT ABOUT HURRICANE PREPARATION?
ARE WE TOO COMPLACENT ABOUT HURRICANE PREPARATION?
Steven J. Weil, president, Royale Management Services
by Enrolled Agent Steven J. Weil, Ph.D., EA, LCAM, president, Royale Management Services, Inc.
It’s likely that we don’t have to react with any great urgency this summer to the long-term threat of sea level rising, but it’s probably a very good idea to think seriously about hurricane preparation right now.
Floridians may have become a bit complacent about hurricanes, knowing that South Florida has not been hit by a major hurricane since 2005. However, hurricane researchers tell us that the current 11-year drought in the Sunshine State is almost twice as long as the previous one of six years’ duration (from 1979-1985). They warn that it’s just a matter of time before storms start coming this way again.
Association residents have some options, depending upon the strength of a storm.
If you can’t find the plan you once created, this will help:
Checklist of what unit owners are responsible for:
- Floor, wall and ceiling covering
- Electrical fixtures
- Appliances
- Heating equipment
- Water heater
- Water filters
- Built-in cabinets and countertops
- Window treatments, including curtains, drapes, blinds and hardware
- Update your management company, property manager or board:
- What is your residency status? Will you be residing in your association unit during hurricane season? (June – November).
- What are your plans for evacuation?
- Do you have cell phone number(s) and email address(es)?
- Who should be contacted in an emergency if you can’t be reached?
- What is the best number for your emergency contact?
- Provide a current key to your unit that works all locks in case of emergency.
