b'Itmaybenecessarytoholdacommunityforumtopro-Designate a spokespersonthe disaster team should speakvideinformationandanswerresidents questions about restora- with one voice. tion, access, security, and other urgent matters. Local authorities willPlan to get the community website back online as soondetermine when conditions are considered safe to return. Once ini- as possible. tialdamageassessmentiscompleted,thedisasterteamshouldDownload the FEMA app on disaster teaminform evacuated residentswhentheycanreturntotheirhomes, members phones.andprovideastatusreporttothosewhosheltered in place.Set up a communication center where staff and residentsResidents with disabilities may be advised to delay their return until can monitor television and internet broadcasts about therepairs are made and utilities are functioning. Inform residents how disaster and communicate with out-of-town family.and where to contact management, if the office has been relocated. Afterthedisaster,provideregularupdatesonpower Emergencyteammembersshouldbeavailabletomeet restoration,waterandsewerfunctionality,trashanddebris withcountyemergencyoperationscenterandFEMArepresen- collection,andcommunityaccessforthosewhoevacuated.tativesandenablethemtotourthecommunityand collectinformation on damages and debris removal. If possible, provide a Asquicklyaspossibleafteranaturaldisaster,thecommu-site where residents and staff can meet with FEMA representatives nitydisasterteamshoulddocumentdamageandworkwithman-on the premises agementtobeginsubmittinginsuranceclaims.Contact the asso-ciations insurance broker as soon as possible to get information onInitialRecovery Taskswhen claims may be filed and what documentation must be submit- Secure the entrance and key facilities to prevent injury, ted. Be available for site visits and inspections by claims adjustors.vandalism, looting, or mis-chief. Make sure you have an accessible record of recent expenditures for Secure and identify areas with damage that cannot be physical plant improvements and repairs to share with the adjuster.immediately moved (downed trees, power lines,roofing material). BESTPRACTICE: Implement a system to notify residents about access to their Theboardshouldrequireexternalprofessionalreviewofresidence and community facilities and restrictions or changes associationinsurance coverage and deductibles at least every twoin normal procedures. years. Ask the reviewer to recommend mitigation activity that can Inspect damaged areas and facilities and develop a priority reduce premiums or improve coverage.list for repairs. Take action to mitigate further damage. Forexample, secure damaged roof with tarps and have the utility Community Associations Institutecompany remove downed wires. Community managers and leaders can enroll in Create a site map showing damage, and document this withphotos or video. Send this information to your insurance agent CAIs M-100andM-200leveltrainingclasses and ask that an adjuster be assigned as soon as possible.|tolearnmoreaboutemergencyplanningand Contact FEMA or local government officials to determinewhat you must do before removing debris.disaster response procedures. These are interactive, Consider contactingbefore a disasterlocal contractors instructor-led and web-based courses with down-for services such as tree and debris removal, water damage loadable materials. For more information, go to:repairs, elevator repair, and utility service restoration. Advise residents when to expect restoration of utilities and www.caionline.org/pmdpother services. ProvidethelocationofthecommunitycommandAvoid Stress and Encourage Resiliencecenterandphonecontactiftheoffices are unusable. Resilient employees and residents can retain their emotional andsocialequilibriumafteradisasterbytakingadvantageofusefulCommunication resources.It is not unusual to feel stress after a crisis. Natural disastersCommunication is critical to recovering and rebuilding after a have devastating effects onpeopleslives,especiallywhentheycausedisaster. One objective is to provide regular and reliable information physicalinjury,death,majorpropertydamage, or loss of home orto all concernedresidents, staff, contractors, and visitors. This will employment. Most people can deal with post-disaster stress once thediscourage rumors and misinformation.Thecommunitydisaster recovery process gets underway. However, for some people, stress mayplanshouldspecifythatthemanagerwilldesignatea qualified linger and affect their ability to deal with neighbors and colleagues. person to manage post-disaster online communications, using thecommunity website and social media. The plan should also address BESTPRACTICE: post-disaster communication and identify alternate forms of com- Informallresidentsaboutpost-disasterstress,andencour-municating when phones and the internet are not functioning.agethemtoevaluatetheirstresslevelsafterthedisaster.DisasterCommunication Tips Yourlocalhospital,medicalsociety,ormental health association Communicate frequently with residents as the disaster is can provide resources, and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers pro-approaching. Repeat critical messages frequently. vide counselors and social workers to assist disaster victims. ! Use the community website and social media (such as SOURCE: Best Practices Report #11 Facebook or Twitter) to share alerts and updates. Natural Disasters: Preparation & RecoveryA Planning Guide for Do not give false or misleading information, even if the news Community Association Managers and Officersis bad. Summer 2023 Suncoast Review - 13'