Storms not only cause physical damage to property, but they can also cause emotional distress to those living through the traumatic situation. In times like this, strong board leadership is imperative – as is a clear plan of action.
If your condo association is hit by a severe storm or hurricane, here are some steps the board of directors can take to protect its association and help restore it to its original state as quickly as possible.
Assess Damage and Triage the Situation
If an evacuation was necessary, be sure it’s safe to return. Once it is, board members or property managers should act quickly to assess the state of the property and begin damage control as best they can. Broken windows, soaked carpeting, and other damage can quickly lead to mold and further property damage if steps aren’t taken to temporarily mend the situation.
This is also a good time to document any damage by taking pictures and video footage, so you have a record of the post-storm state before beginning any clean-up efforts.
Exercise Caution
Never enter an unsafe area and always practice safe habits when removing storm debris and property damage. We also recommend being cautious when evaluating and signing contracts for emergency repairs. Consult your association attorney with any questions and before signing any repair contracts.
Communicate with Residents
Consult your emergency response plan (ERP) on important first steps after sustaining storm damage and be in touch with all residents about your plan. Consistent and transparent communication with condo owners helps ease fears and keeps them informed of the property status.
Partner with Professionals
If you do experience damage that results in an insurance claim, having a legal professional on your side will help your association navigate the claims process. This includes everything from reviewing your legal documentation to ensuring proper claims submission and, if needed, representing your COA in the event that you need to take your case to court.
If a storm strikes your property, acting quickly and efficiently can make a significant difference in minimizing harm and speeding up recovery. If you have questions about recovery steps to get your Fort Lauderdale association back up on its feet quickly, call us at the law offices of Dania S. Fernandez & Association, P.A.
We offer legal assistance in all matters of condominium association law, homeowners and community association law, real estate litigations and transactions, residential and commercial closings, and insurance law.
We pride ourselves of our level of commitment to our clients. We love what we do, and we do it with utmost care and professionalism.
