How To Prepare Your Orlando Building for Storm Damage
6/15/2020 (Permalink)
As a property manager in Orlando, FL, you know how important it is to maintain the building and grounds to create a safe, comfortable environment for your tenants. Not only do you want to keep the property looking nice, but you need to think about issues such as storm preparedness. If you are not ready to withstand the effects of Mother Nature, you should act quickly to put the appropriate safeguards in place.
Assess and Inspect
If you're behind in your storm preparedness, don't panic and start assembling a bunch of supplies without doing some planning first. You should start by looking over the property and identifying potential areas of concern. Here are a few ideas on how to do this:
- Inspect the room and make sure there are no weak spots, gaps or issues that might increase the chances of leaks.
- Make sure there are clearly marked exit signs and instructions on how to safely evacuate the building in case of an emergency.
- Evaluate the windows and consider purchasing shatter-proof ones.
Bolster the Windows and Doors
In a storm with high winds, these two areas of entry could be significant safety hazards. Consider purchasing items such as roll-up shutters or storm panels to place over the doors and windows when storms hit. Every property management emergency plan should have a way to protect tenants from damage that could occur from breaking glass.
Have Sandbags Ready
If you live in an area where heavy rains are common, flooding can always be a risk. The same goes for property owners whose buildings are near waterways. Purchase a set of sandbags that you could fill and place around doors, windows and the foundation when necessary.
Practice Evacuating
Work with your tenants on developing an emergency exit plan. At least once a year, evaluate this plan. Practice evacuations are critical as well. This plan should also include knowing which emergency cleanup company to call when disasters strike.
Storm preparedness can give you peace of mind even during an emergency such as a flood or severe storm. Make sure you're ready at a moment's notice.
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