Natural disasters are terrifying, however, making a natural disaster action plan is necessary for HOAs and condos. In this article, we go through different types of natural disasters and explore different action plans. These are very important for the board to think about so that your community is prepared all eventualities. As well as thinking about preventing damage, we’re also going to look at responding to the disasters after they happen.

Natural Disaster Action Plan

A basic natural disaster action plan is to have some supplies. You should have some flashlights, blankets, and a portable generator. An emergency supply kit, a well-stocked first aid kit (or two), a radio, food, water, and an evacuation plan. Residents should also have these supplies and know what the plan is. All community documents should also be stored on the cloud and be password-protected to avoid being lost or damaged. 

If you don’t already, you should have a Disaster and Emergency Response Plan, that covers all rules and procedures both short and long term. It needs to cover what is expected of board members, how to handle special assessments, how to borrow from the reserve fund, etc.

Now, let’s dive into the action plans for different natural disasters:

Earthquake

Your action plan with earthquakes needs to be to secure everything. The board should secure everything in common areas, and ask residents to do so in their homes. The biggest cost after an earthquake is from furniture falling. All tall, heavy, and bulky furniture should be fixed to the floor or wall to prevent it from falling. You should also secure your water heater and any other large appliances. All cabinets should have good latches so they don’t fly off. As the contents can spill out creating more potential damage. Hopefully, you already do the next two things but you should store hazardous materials somewhere separate and secure. You should also have several fire extinguishers in case a fire starts during an earthquake.

After an earthquake, the board needs to check if everyone is alright. If anyone has suffered injuries, try to provide basic care. If you can’t then residents should call 911 if the injury is serious. Stay away from any damaged areas, and beaches if you are near any, as tsunamis can follow earthquakes.

Flood

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the USA, they can happen in all 50 states. So it’s a good idea to make sure that your insurance covers any damage that might occur during a flood.

The most important thing to do is to put everything of value high up. So laptops, important papers, and money should all be on the top floor or on top of wardrobes. If a flood is likely, the board and residents should stay tuned to the news in case evacuation is necessary. Make sure that all residents pack a bag of essential supplies (including any necessary medication, water, food, and warm clothes) in case an evacuation is called for. Any outdoor furniture in your community should be brought inside so as not to cause any damage. Do not walk through moving water as just 6 inches can knock you off your feet.

If you’ve been evacuated, return only when authorities say it’s safe. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or you’re standing in water and if it’s safe shut off the electricity. Be careful, because animals may have been swept into buildings, and the water may also be contaminated.

Storm

If you have an advanced warning of a severe storm, you should ask your landscaper to come in. They can cut trees that might pose a risk. Before the storm hits, you need to secure all outdoor furniture. Residents need to do the same, as there might be high winds.

If you have covered parking or garages, ask residents and staff to park their cars there, preferably with a full tank, so they don’t get hit by lightning or by anything falling. If you do not, then cars need to be parked away from trees. Keep children calm, and inside, and secure pets inside. Consider installing lightning protection systems to protect buildings in your community. When you start to hear thunder, ask everyone to get inside. 

Watch out for fallen power lines and trees and report them to authorities or the property manager, and stay clear of them. Check homes and common property for damage, and don’t drive through anywhere affected by the storm if you can avoid it.

Snowstorm

Residents should buy a generator and stock up on fuel. Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and basic first aid to treat them. Make sure all residents have a generator if a snowstorm is coming, and that they stock up on non-perishable foods and necessities (medicines, toilet paper, diapers, etc), and be prepared for a power cut. Make sure everyone has some emergency supplies (including warm clothes, blankets, food, and water). Insulate water pipes with newspaper to prevent frozen pipes and ask residents to do the same. Bring pets and plants into the house, stay inside, and keep the thermostat turned up high to keep everyone warm.

You should limit time outside but try to keep in touch with residents in case they require emergency assistance. Be careful when using generators and use them only away from windows. Try to shovel some snow, without causing harm to yourself, and use sand, and ice melt for traction on surfaces.

Wildfire

If there are wildfire warnings in your area buy N95 masks for all the residents, or ask residents to buy them for their households. If they don’t have them, cloth masks or any material across your mouth will do. All pets should have their time outside minimized because they’re very sensitive to smoke. So residents should set the air con to recirculate air and use air purifiers. Residents should also have a plan for their pets in case of evacuation.

The board should be following the local warning system, as well as the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio. If you have enough time you should sweep up leaves and debris. Consider cutting down or trimming trees near buildings, and set up hoses to reach all buildings.  

Try not to make calls as phone systems are often busy after an emergency, instead send text messages. Vinteum allows you to send text messages to your whole community efficiently. Be careful of hot ash, live embers, and smoldering debris and trees. Finally, be aware that wildfires can mean a higher risk of floods in the coming years.

Wrapping Up: Natural Disaster Action Plan

Every community should have a natural disaster action plan. The basic is having emergency supplies, including food, water, blankets, and a first aid kit. You also need a radio to communicate with group leaders, board members, or the police, an evacuation plan, and a Disaster and Emergency Response Plan.

Board members need to be in constant communication with residents, if possible. Communication software can help you to do that. Vinteum lets you email, text, call, and post on your website. Our support team is also here to help you. Find out more about how we can help you.