Welcome back.
It's incredible to see the power of Mother Nature, especially after witnessing the damage left behind by Hurricane Helene in parts of the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee.
It's a strong reminder of how important it is for both community associations and homeowners, whether you're in an HOA or not, to have solid hurricane preparedness plans in place. Let’s explore this topic.
Here in Florida, with hurricane season constantly looming,
the state has set a deadline for associations to get these protocols in place.
And honestly, these standards aren't just smart for HOAs—they're good advice
for all homeowners.
Adopting hurricane protection standards and rules is crucial
to ensure the safety and integrity of your HOA community's structures, especially
considering the state's vulnerability to hurricanes. Here are a few recommended
steps and considerations for your HOA to adopt and implement effective
hurricane protection standards:
Review Florida Statutes and Local Ordinances
Ensure that the
standards you develop are following Florida state laws and any local regulations regarding hurricane preparedness.
The Florida Homeowners' Association Act and other state statutes may have specific guidelines your HOA
must follow.
Conduct a Professional Assessment
Hire a licensed
contractor or hurricane mitigation expert to assess the buildings and
structures within the community. This will help identify vulnerabilities and
recommend improvements like roof tie-downs, reinforced windows, and storm
shutters.
Roof Protection and Reinforcements
Recommend or
mandate the installation of hurricane straps or clips on roofs to help reduce
the risk of uplift during high winds. Encourage regular roof inspections to
ensure no damage has occurred over time.
Storm Shutters or
Impact-Resistant Windows
Adopt a rule
requiring all homeowners to install hurricane shutters or upgrade to impact-resistant windows for each unit. Ensure the installation meets the
latest building code standards for your area.
Community-Wide Tree and Landscape Management
To minimize storm
damage from trees and large shrubs, create guidelines on tree trimming and
maintenance. Regular pruning can prevent debris from causing damage to
properties during a hurricane.
Clear Evacuation Plans
Create and
distribute an emergency evacuation plan specific to your community. Clearly
communicate safe locations, evacuation routes, and emergency contacts.
Hurricane-Resistant
Doors and Garage Doors
Require that doors,
especially garage doors, are hurricane-rated. Non-hurricane-resistant garage
doors are a weak point and can lead to significant damage during storms.
Reinforce Community Structures
If your HOA manages
community buildings (clubhouses, pools, etc.), make sure they are up to code
and equipped with appropriate wind-resistance feature like reinforced
walls, roofs, and foundations.
Establish a Reserve Fund for Repairs
Plan financially
for post-hurricane repairs by creating a reserve fund specifically for
hurricane-related damage. This fund can be used to repair community
infrastructure after a storm.
Enforce Compliance with Insurance Requirements
Recommend homeowners
to maintain adequate homeowner's insurance with hurricane coverage, and for
condo units, encourage coverage for loss assessment in case the HOA needs to
levy a special assessment after a storm.
Don’t Overlook Flood Insurance
When rebuilding or fortifying your home or commnity , flood insurance
should definitely be part of the conversation.
Like I mentioned in a recent blog,"
New Florida Flood Disclosure Rules: Key Facts for Homebuyers and Sellers", any damage to the inside of your property caused by water coming in from the outside is mainly covered by flood insurance. But if water floods the inside your home—like interior pipe bursts—that's usually covered by your homeowner's policy.
Just imagine what happened in Asheville, North
Carolina experienced significant flooding and storm damage from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, despite being about 270 miles from the coast. It’s a reminder that floods don’t just happen along the coastlines.
Regardless of where you live in
Florida, having flood insurance can save you from costly repairs after an
unpredictable storm or heavy rainfall.
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As a full-time, experienced realtor specializing in Kendall and the surrounding neighborhoods, I’m here to help with all your real estate needs. Reach out today for personalized service that’s all about you!