Disaster Planning
Disaster Planning
Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast in October – and emergency plans were put into effect. Some of us were caught in Washington DC for a meeting, and saw how some of the businesses began taking care of their guests. Our hotel provided daily information on how to handle the situation, provided flashlights and issued instructions on closing windows and moving away from areas where a branch might come through a window. These things reminded us how important it is to inform your residents of emergency plans as soon as possible.
Before a storm arrives, HUD asks that you take the time to do these important things:
- Make sure vulnerable populations (persons with disabilities, the frail elderly, people without transportation) have the resources they need to survive a storm or to evacuate, if necessary.
- Check your generator and any other emergency equipment and be sure it is functional.
- Review your Emergency Relocation Plan. It should be in place and updated at all times.
- Let your HUD Project Manager know of any vacant units you have when a storm is approaching, and what size(s) they are. This can be done by email and will be useful in the event persons are displaced from their homes and need to seek temporary, alternate housing.
Immediately after a storm, please report to HUD by emailing DamageAssessmentsFlorida@hud.gov :
- any health problems or injuries to residents or staff caused by the storm,
- any displacement or necessary evacuation/relocation of residents,
- any significant management problems you may now have as a result of the storm,
- any damages your development may have suffered,
- any vacant units undamaged by the storm, and what size(s) they are.
Refer to HUD Handbook 4350.1, Chapter 38, which outlines owner/agent responsibilities related to emergencies and Presidentially Declared Disasters.