The occurrence of natural disasters is inevitable. Every year, hurricane season in South Florida hits between June 1st and November 30th, causing damage worth billions of dollars to multi-family residential and commercial real estate properties. Here is a complete guide to protecting your real estate property during hurricane season.
Things to Do Before Hurricane Season
When it comes to mitigating the risks of property damage, taking strategic preventive measures can go a long way. Follow these tips to prepare your multi-family residential property for the upcoming hurricane season:
Make Sure You Have Coverage: Talk to your insurance provider to confirm that your policy covers hurricane and flood damage. Read the fine print to understand the terms and conditions better.
Get Tenants Insurance: As a landlord, you must inform the renters that your insurance policy doesn't cover the tenant's personal belongings and property. Thus, they should get protection for hurricane season.
Be Prepared for Intense Rain and Wind: Protect your rental property from intense wind and rain by boarding up windows, bringing outdoor items indoors, locking doors, taking inventory of belongings, removing loose branches, and using hurricane straps to reinforce the roof. These measures ensure the property's safety during adverse weather conditions.
Stock Up on Supplies: Purchase at least one month of food, water, extra batteries, medications, toiletries, and other utilities.
What Should I Do During the Hurricane?
Keep yourself and your multi-family residential property renters' safe when the storm hits with these tips:
Monitor the television, radio, or social media for the latest weather updates.
Immediately evacuate to a shelter in case your neighbor's home has been damaged or flooded.
Stay away from doors and windows and take shelter in a closet or bathroom if things worsen.
Turn off the electricity breaker if your neighborhood has flooded.
Wherever you go, take your emergency kit with you. It should include personal sanitary items, a cell phone, a charger, essential tools, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, drinkable water, and food.
What Should Be Done After the Storm Has Passed?
After the storm has passed, it is imperative to take specific actions to address the aftermath effectively. Follow these tips:
Once power is restored, turn on the appliances one by one to ensure they aren't damaged.
Never start the generators indoors. Store it in the crawlspace, basement, or garage.
Promptly document any visible damage. Take photographs and make videos.
Communicate with tenants about safety measures and restoration timelines.
Stay away from flooded areas.
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