b'FEATURE columnPlanning For Disaster by Foundation For Community Association ResearchA detailed disaster plan should be compiled, adopted, and incorpo- storing vital records, and state and local requirements for disasterratedintotheassociationscontinuityofoperationsplan.The preparedness and response. This useful information will be the foun-disaster plan will identify basic community functions and proce- dation for developing a comprehensive plan and a training guide fordures, key responsibilities, and priority tasks that enable the commu- a community disaster team.nity to function after a natural disaster. Consider these questions to develop a new disaster planor update an existing plan: What disasters or emergencies are most likely to occurin this area? Is the disaster plan thorough and up-to-date? Does the plan comply with state and localgovernment requirements? What primary community services must be maintainedafter a disaster? Does the association have contracts with localemergency management services? Have staff and residents been trained in emergencyresponse by FEMA, EMS, or the Red Cross?Are residents informed about the community disaster plan?Does the community conduct drills? Is the association prepared to deliver emergency alertsand warnings to residents? Does the association have plans for on-site shelteringand evacuation?Mentallywalkthroughthe threat of a disaster such as ahurricane, andassesshowitwouldaffectyourcommunity.Considerhowtheassociationwillprovideessentialservicesandfunctions immediately after a disaster. Identify functions that areessential and those that are lower priority. Determine which com-munity rules must be maintained (for safety and security) and thosethat can be waived after a crisis. Look at how ordinary communica-tions are handled, and identify alternate ways to communicate whenCommunity leaders can start disaster planning by addressing standard systems fail.the Five Ws: When the planning team has drafted the community disaster Whowill be effected and who will respond? plan,obtainedexpertreview,andpresentedittotheboardfor Whatdisasters are likely to happen here? approval,staffshoulddevelopimplementationtimelinesand Wheredo we go during and after the disaster? detailed responsibility charts for all activity. It may be necessary to Whenshould we notify residents and staff? update the associations continuity of operations plan to reference or Whyhave we prioritized key response tasks? include the disaster plan.Give residents information about the plan so they are preparedBEST PRACTICE: When drafting or updating a community to act appropriately when disasters occur. Post key information ondisaster plan, review the governing documents to make sure the plan the community website. Conduct drills andtrainingsessionsonaaddresses all mandatory responsibilities and functions. regularbasis.Communicationandaccessibilityarekeytosuc-cessful disaster response and recovery.The Community Disaster Plan The board should appoint asmall work group to develop the community disaster plan. The group BESTPRACTICE: Askthelocalpolicechief,firemar-should begin by identifyingthenaturaldisasterslikelytoimpact shal,orEMSdirectortoreviewandcritique your communitythecommunity,essentialassociationfunctions and services, proce- disaster plan. In addition to giving useful input, they can providedurestocatalogandinspectassociationproperty,processes for training and other resources for your community disaster team.8 - Suncoast Review Summer 2023 www.SuncoastCAI.com'