As extreme weather becomes more frequent and unpredictable, public and affordable housing organizations must take proactive steps to protect residents and staff. From heat waves to hurricanes, summer weather poses serious risks—this guide offers nine practical ways to prepare.
This blog post outlines nine tips for public and affordable housing organizations to prepare for severe summer weather.
1. Build a comprehensive emergency plan
A detailed emergency preparedness plan is essential. Outline procedures for responding to heatwaves, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Include evacuation routes, emergency shelter locations, communication protocols, and plans for assisting vulnerable residents. Make sure all staff are trained on their roles and responsibilities.
2. Inspect and maintain your property
Conduct regular inspections to identify and fix vulnerabilities before a storm hits. Check that roofs, windows, doors, and drainage systems are in good condition. Prioritize maintenance of HVAC units to ensure they’re ready for heatwaves, and trim trees or remove debris that could pose a hazard during storms.
3. Set up a cooling center
Provide residents with a designated cool space to escape extreme heat. Choose a common area with air conditioning, clean drinking water, and comfortable seating. Ensure the space is accessible for residents with mobility issues and clearly communicate its availability during heat events.
4. Educate and communicate with residents
Keep residents informed about weather-related risks and what to do in an emergency. Use flyers, text alerts, notice boards, and your website or resident portal to share key updates. Consider holding seasonal preparedness sessions to explain evacuation procedures and safety measures.
5. Establish partnerships
Collaborating with local emergency management agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups is essential to enhance the organization's capacity to handle severe summer weather events. These partnerships can help share resources, knowledge, and expertise and provide additional support during emergencies.
6. Stock emergency supplies
Every housing organization should have a well-stocked emergency supplies kit readily available. This kit should include essential items such as first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, blankets, and hygiene products. Regularly check and replenish the supplies to ensure they remain up-to-date and in good condition.
7. Support vulnerable residents
Severe summer weather can be emotionally and physically challenging for residents, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or have pre-existing health conditions. Establish a resident support system that includes regular wellness check-ins, access to medical assistance, and resources for coping with extreme weather conditions.
8. Back up data and documents:
Public and affordable housing organizations deal with a significant amount of critical data and documents, including resident information, financial records, and operational documents. It is crucial to regularly back up all this data and store it in secure, off-site locations. Cloud-based solutions offer a reliable and accessible option for data backup, ensuring that critical information remains safe even in the event of damage to physical infrastructure. By backing up data, organizations can minimize the risk of losing valuable information during severe weather events.
9. Review insurance coverage:
Insurance coverage is a vital aspect of risk management for housing organizations. It's essential to review insurance policies regularly to ensure they provide adequate coverage for potential risks associated with severe summer weather, such as flood damage, storm damage, or heat-related incidents. Engage with your insurance professional to assess the organization's current coverage and make any necessary adjustments to address specific weather-related risks. Additionally, organizations should review their policies to understand the claims process and document any pre-existing damages to property or infrastructure. Adequate insurance coverage can provide financial protection and help the organization recover more swiftly in the aftermath of severe weather events.
Bottom line: Preparedness is key!
Utilize our free seasonal resources to stay informed, be vigilant, and take action.
Want personalized guidance? Talk to a risk consultant about your summer preparedness strategy.
This article is for general information only. HAI Group® makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group® and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your attorney or subject matter advisor before adopting any risk management strategy or policy.
HAI Group® is a marketing name used to refer to insurers, a producer, and related service providers affiliated through a common mission, management, and governance. Property-casualty insurance and related services are written or provided by Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company; Housing Enterprise Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Investment Group, Inc.; and Housing Insurance Services (DBA Housing Insurance Agency Services in NY and MI).
