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[technorati tag afeuck6w4j] With hurricane season in full swing and hurricanes now kicking up throughout the Atlantic, condo associations might want to review and update emergency plans before facing a possible evacuation or shelter situation. If your property is located within a hurricane, tornado, or flood zone, it would be wise to review and reiterate to their residents what emergency plans are in place and what residents can expect during an emergency.

Prepare a list of actions for your residents to take in the event of an emergency. Some of the necessary information includes: 

• Updated residency status/contact information throughout the year. For instance, if your residents typically travel for work, encourage them to let someone in the office know of their whereabouts in case of an emergency. 
• Utility contact information. Residents should be instructed to turn off gas utilities and to secure any outdoor furniture, grills, etc. Also instruct residents not to light matches or use gas appliances during a storm. A leak could be undetected and could result in injury or death. 
• Any keys to cars or units should it be necessary to move a car out of harm’s way or enter the property for safety reasons. – Emergency supplies needed. 
• Copies of important documents. 
• Ample food and medicine for at least 5 days. Also, plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day.
• Evacuation plans, including reiterating that those choosing to stay behind when ordered to evacuate will not be rescued until it is safe to return to the property. 
• Agency contact information for those with special needs. 
• Pet preparedness, including medicines and evacuation plans.
• Safety precautions during the storm and after. 
• A list of emergency evacuation shelters. 
• A list of condo unit areas that homeowners are directly responsible for. 
• A reminder that some homeowner policies include coverage to stay elsewhere during renovation to a damaged home.

Check with your insurance broker to determine what your responsibilities are to your residents during an emergency event. Ask the following questions: 

• What information must I provide to residents? 
• How often do I need to inform them of emergency plans and other information? 
• Is our condo association required to force an evacuation prior to a hurricane or other natural disaster? 
• Can our condo association designate one area of our property as a shelter area during emergencies?

If you have questions, talk with your condo association insurance broker. Preparing for disaster long before it happens can save you money and save lives.