Essential Hurricane Preparedness Guidebook for Florida Community Associations by KatzmanChandler

Essential Hurricane Preparedness Guidebook for Florida Community Associations

by KatzmanChandler

Anticipating an active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, the Florida Community Association Law Firm of Katzman Chandler today released its annual “Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide for Community Associations” to help Florida communities protect their properties and safeguard community residents during what experts say will be a significantly more active storm season.

The Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide for Community Associations entitled, “READY… SET… RECOVER” is immediately available for download online at the Katzman Chandler website (www.KatzmanChandler.com). Community Association Coalition Leaders throughout the State may also request and obtain printed copies of “READY… SET… RECOVER” for distribution to their member Community Associations by contacting info@KatzmanChandler.com or by calling Toll Free 800-987-6518.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA) on May 22, 2020 announced its prediction of an above-average hurricane season with 13 to 19 named storms and 6 to 10 hurricanes – with 3 to 6 classified as “major” (Category 3, 4 or 5) hurricanes, with winds of 111 mph or greater. In 2005, the most active storm season in recorded history saw a total of 28 named storms, including 15 hurricanes – 7 classified as “major,” including hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, which caused extensive property destruction and devastation to the livelihoods of millions of Floridians. While a typical hurricane by itself is a formidable adversary, navigating both pre and post hurricane conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic may prove to be exponentially more complicated – making early and complete preparation more important than ever.

“Because insurance companies are in the money-making business and accordingly, are financially motivated to deny or underpay claims, it is vitally important that volunteer Boards obtain legal advice when both purchasing their coverage and filing claims,” said Leigh C. Katzman, Esq., Founding Partner, Katzman Chandler. “The days of trying to successfully go it alone against insurance giants and a system designed to underpay policy holders are truly over. The Florida Legislature in 2011 shortened the time frame to file a claim, supplemental claim or reopened claim from 5 years to 3 years making it even more crucial that boards be prepared to act quickly and decisively when disaster strikes.”

“READY… SET… RECOVER, specifically assists Community Associations and their Management professionals to identify areas of concern, and to properly and fully prepare before a disaster strikes,” said Mary Ann Chandler, Esq., Managing Partner, Katzman Chandler.

The Katzman Chandler Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Guide for Community Associations is arranged into four (4) main sections for ease of use:

• The first section, “An Ounce of Prevention…” addresses routine planning and preparedness measures that are recommended to be undertaken before, or at the latest, in the early weeks of Hurricane Season.

• The second section, “The Calm Before the Storm…” addresses actions to be taken when a Tropical Storm, Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning is issued for your area.

• The third section, “Triage and the Initial Road to Recovery…” addresses the immediate and continuing actions to be taken to repair and rebuild your Community in the aftermath of a storm.

• The fourth and final section, “It’s Your Insurer’s Turn to Write the Check…” describes the insurance claim and recovery process.

Katzman Chandler is a Full Service Florida Law Firm devoted to all aspects of Community Association representation. We are truly “Committed to Community” and evidence this commitment each day through Passion, Experience and Technology. Our Passion is clear in our dedication to identifying unique solutions to issues and concerns affecting our Clients. Our Experience is evident in our ability to utilize our skills and knowledge to provide our Clients with the highest quality work product and out-of-the-box strategies in the most cost-efficient manner. However, our Passion and Experience come together in our unique use and leveraging of Technology. Our utilization of Technology allows us to provide our clients with state-of-the-art features and programs that complement superior legal representation, and are second to none.

Regardless of the size of your community, Katzman Chandler is dedicated to meeting your needs, achieving your goals and exceeding your expectations. Our services include General Corporate Representation, Delinquent Account Collection, Litigation, Covenant Enforcement, Document Amendment/Rewrite, Property Insurance Damage Claim Recovery, and Construction Defect Representation. Katzman Chandler can be reached by calling Toll Free 800-987-6518 or via email at info@KatzmanChandler.com. Information about the Law Firm can be requested through their website which can be found at www.KatzmanChandler.com.

“If there is a single downside to living under the Florida sun, it is the risk of a significant storm impacting our homes and way of life.”

However, in times of need, members of the Katzman Chandler family of clients can rest assured that their interests are represented by some of the best attorneys in the industry.

“READY… SET… RECOVER” is immediately available for download online at the Katzman Chandler website by clicking here.

by Leigh Katzman, ESQ., Katzman Chandler