b'Maintenance howandwhen these decisions are made and publicized. ManagersGood maintenance can provide an effective form of should follow the disaster plan timeline using information from themitigation. For example: NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA), Eliminate or reduce fuel for wildfires by cleaning out FEMA, and local government sources to make informed decisions.underbrush, hardscaping common areas, creating fire breaksThe community disaster team must be alerted and ready to imple-in wooded areas, and removing dead shrubs and tree ment the plan.branches regularly. Stay or Evacuate? Eliminate or reduce potential projectiles in windy areas: Whether to shelter in place or evacuate is a critical decisionkeep all trees well-trimmed and store tools indoors, and secure that must be made quickly. Thecommunitydisasterteamshouldoutdoor furniture. cometogether,consultlocalemergencyoperations center (EOC) Eliminate or reduce water back up and flooding: keep storm advisories, and communicate with residents. Depending on the typedrains free of debris and evaluate water flow through retention and severity of the disaster, the team may recommend that residentsponds and sewer systems. shelter in place or evacuate. Retrofitorupgradeinfrastructureitems:installunde Be informed about recommendations and orders from localgroundutilitylines,increasesewer capacity, and evaluate officials and the location andtypesofshelters.Haveaplantoelectrical systems. Even routine management activities can be notifyresidentswhoneedassistancetogettoashelter.Createpart of the associations mitigation efforts: atextmessagingsystemorautomatedphonetreetonotify Stay current: Update resident contact information regularly. residentsabout evacuation orders and travel routes. Stay in contact Practice:Conductevacuationdrillsonaregularbasis,with local emergency agencies, fire, rescue, and ambulance servicesespeciallyinhigh-risecommunities.during the watch and warning phases. Knowyourresidents:identifyresidentswhomayneedIf you shelter in place: assistanceduringadisaster,whether due to languageMake sure generators are properly ventilated to avoidbarriers, disabilities, lack of transportation, etc. carbon monoxide poisoning. Usetechnology:takeadvantageofthemanysoftware Monitor emergency broadcasts on radio,programsandphoneappsavailable to improve television, or the internet.communication and inspection activity.Keep mobile devices activated to receive Stay up to date with changes in building and zoning codes. emergency messages. Ensure access to vital documents during an emergency: ScanHave a contingency plan to evacuate.utility schematics, floor plans, andconstructiondrawings. Savedigitalfilestocloudstorageoronportable devices. If you evacuate: Alert residents via the most efficient methods.Mitigation activity can save lives and money, and it has aFacilitate a sequential, orderly evacuation. highreturnforcommunityassociations.A2005studybytheProvide a list of residents with disabilities andNational Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) determinedthat, special needs to the emergency operations center.onaverage,every$1investedinmitigationsaves$4thatAdvise residents about local shelters and evacuation routes.wouldbespenton disaster recovery. The study was conducted bytheNIBSMultihazardMitigationCounciltoquantifysavings Recovery(lossesavoided)frommitigationactivitiesrelatedtoearth- When the disaster is over, the community disaster teams realquakes,wind,andfloods. Two mitigation activities were studied:workbegins.Thisiswhenthevalueofplanning,training,and Projectmitigation,whichincludesphysicalactivityto emergency drills is most appreciated.preventorreducedamage,suchaselevatingorrelocatingstruc- Immediately after a disaster, inspect the property and determineturesthreatenedbyfloodandstrengtheningstructures to resist if it is safeboth for returning evacuees and those who sheltered inearthquakes and wind force.place. If possible, consider storing a golf cart or small vehicle near the Processmitigation,whichincludesactivitythatresults entrance to tour the property looking for initial damage and safetyinpolicies,practices,andprojects that reduce risk and loss, issues. Bring phones, cameras, and a recording device on this inspec-educate decision-makers, and encourage adopting strong building tion tour. Contact the local EMS or fire department if you encountercodes.serious damage. As soon as possible after a disaster:The study concluded that mitigation is most effective whenArrangeforqualifiedprofessionalstoinspectall carried out on a comprehensive, community-wide, long-term basis.structures,includingbuildingentrances, parking garages,elevators, and large windows. Restrict access to buildingsBESTPRACTICE: Learnaboutdisastermitigation with severe damage.resources,includingyourstateorregionalmitigationplan,atConfirm that utilities are functioning safelywww.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-planning-contacts.and report downed power lines. Remove debris blocking the entrance, main roads,Initial Response and Recovery and parking areas.Community leaders must make decisions quickly about com-Look for broken pipes, sewer backup, and other watermunity readiness and evacuation, and be ready to initiate the first hazards. response to a disaster. Whenanaturaldisasterisimminent,key Ifthemanagementofficeisdestroyedordamaged,advisedecisionsmustbemadethataffectresidents,communityfacil- residentsandlocalgovernment of the designated alternate site,ities,andinfrastructure. Thecommunitydisasterplanstates phone, and email contacts as soon as possible. 12 - Suncoast Review Summer 2023 www.SuncoastCAI.com'