Disaster preparedness for your Pembroke Pines home is not a luxury. Infact, it is an absolute necessity in South Florida, with its hurricanes. Every Florida county has a designated emergency management program. Residents, businesses, and visitors should also visit their county’s emergency management for the most up-to-date and locally significant information.
Understandably, the safety of family and friends is top-of-mind in the face of any natural disaster. And as the owner of a Pembroke Pines rental home, you also have the additional responsibility of your residents’ safety. As a responsible landlord, you have to work to guarantee that their well-being is considered a top priority. Helping your residents prepare for a natural disaster is an integral part of running your Pembroke Pines rental properties. And by sharing a few simple preparedness tips, you can help rental residents weather the worst that Mother Nature may bring.
Disaster Preparedness: The Need For Information
In the event of any natural disaster, information is one of the most valuable resources. The American Red Cross offers a free emergency app for iPhone and Android phones, placing critical information at your fingertips. During a natural disaster, the app lets you monitor conditions in your area and gather relevant data to use in an emergency. The app also lets you notify others that you are safe and can help you seek help if the situation calls for it. It is highly encouraged for your residents to get the app as part of their emergency preparedness plan.
The Florida Disaster Division offers a wealth of hurricane safety information and disaster preparedness for your Pembroke Pines home. This includes various checklists, preparation guides, and evacuation advice which is a critical element of preparedness in a natural disaster. According to them, if your home is not located in an evacuation zone, you may still be able to shelter at home during a storm. The newer the home is in relation to the Florida Building Code (2002 or newer), the more resistant the home may be to hurricanes. As long as the exterior system (Roof, Hurricane Straps, Windows, Doors, Garage Door) meets the prevailing hurricane safety standards.
Disaster Preparedness: To Evacuate Your Pembroke Pines Home Or Not?
In a natural disaster situation, decisions about whether to stay or search for a protected house in a safer location need to be made quickly. This is why you should have a plan in place well in advance, and avoid a last-minute dash. If an evacuation order involves one or more of your rental homes, you should encourage your residents to seek shelter immediately. Or to take alternate courses of action, such as to stay with friends, family, or a hotel outside of the emergency area.
As a matter of good practice, advise your tenants to consult their Disaster Checklist from time to time. As part of an evaluation plan, advise them on all the important personal items to carry with them. These include valuables, jewelry, passports, and other important personal documents, not forgetting their rental insurance policy. The details contained therein usually provide information on whether they have coverage for relocation.
If evacuation isn’t possible or required, residents urge tenants to gather disaster supplies and have a basic emergency kit handy. At least three days of supplies on hand is ideal to fend off most emergencies. They must include water, food, batteries, gasoline, pet food, and other necessities, such as diapers and medications. As well as the contact numbers for friends and family members, to reach out to, in the event of an emergency arising.
Disaster Preparedness: Securing Your Pembroke Pines Home Is A Necessity.
Finally, as the landlord, you must take all the necessary precautions, and prepare the property to weather the storm. Gather and store outdoor furniture, bicycles, and other items securely, and away from the direct blast zones. Secure windows and doors and also put in place heavy shutters, if installed on the property. In the event of a power outage, food in the refrigerator and freezer is usually one of the first casualties. Therefore, set both appliances to the coldest settings, and try to keep the doors shut as much as possible. Give your residents clear instructions in each of these tasks, and also try to assist them with preparations where possible.
How We Can Help.
Even though natural disasters are unpredictable, emergency preparedness is something you can always have ready and at hand. You can take important steps well in advance, and in the early stages of the circumstances to ensure that you have what you need to make it through carefully.
Based locally, we fully understand why disaster preparedness for your Pembroke Pines home is an absolute necessity. And helping landlords prepare for a natural disaster is just one of the property management the experts at Real Property Management Premier offer. In an emergency, we endeavor to assist with all disaster preparations, by advising them to make evacuation decisions early and provide residents the information they need to stay safe.
If you have questions about preparing for a disaster in your rental, contact Real Property Management Premier today. Download our useful guides and checklists from the Downloads sections of the website. Call us at 954-362-5235 for more information. Stay safe!
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