Emergency Planning in Community Associations

Today, Portland and SW Washington are in a winter storm gridlock.  If you have some free time over the next few days, take a moment to think about emergency preparedness and disaster recovery in your community association. Most importantly, make sure you have your insurance policy information and contact numbers handy at all times.

Here are some resources to review:

www.ready.gov

www.redcross.org/prepare

Here is a Red Cross family emergency planning chart: red-cross-disaster-family-plan

Here's a worksheet for community associations to review and fill out: disaster-plan-outline

Emergency Preparedness for the Community Association

Disaster may strike at anytime. It could be a fire, tsunami, or earthquake. Community associations should be particularly aware of procedures and plans if affected by a disaster or emergency. For high-rise communities, a disaster plan is critical. Managers or contractors who typically maintain or service the building may not be available in the wake of an emergency. The board should consider: 1) how residents will be evacuated; 2) utility shut-offs (who and how); and 3) how communications will be established.

Here is a disaster/emergency outline for boards or committees to consider when formulating a recovery plan: Disaster Plan Outline

The following are some useful links:

“Prepare! A Resource Guide” from the Red Cross - http://www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/article/410173

Portland Bureau of Emergency Management: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/46475

FAQs About Building Evacuation” from the National Fire Protection Association - http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/occupancies/high-rise-buildings/faqs-about-building-evacuation.

“High Rise Emergency Handbook” from the City of Bellevue, WA - http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/pdf/Fire/mac8659-HighRiseHandbookFINAL.pdf