Helping HOAs Clean Up After a Storm
As hurricane season ramps up, residents along the coastal U.S. should be prepared to respond to a natural disaster effectively and efficiently. Residents should brace for strong winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding.
The following steps will help your community start the cleanup process and begin repairing your home after a flood.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Document the damage before you start making repairs.
Protect yourself and your family. The water in your home may be contaminated. Wear waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots, and rubber gloves.
Remove the water. Once you receive confirmation from your insurer to remove the water, use a sump pump and a wet vac. Don't forget to open doors and windows.
Decrease mold by removing wet items. Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours.
Secure your property. Place boards over windows, secure tarps and document your efforts.
Check references if you hire cleanup or repair contractors and be sure they are qualified to do the job.
Storm Cleanup Tips
One of the great things about Florida is the beautiful weather. Despite all those lovely, sunny days, though, storms are still a significant concern. When storms rip through the state, they can do considerable damage. For HOAs and condo boards, knowing where to start the cleanup process isn't always easy. Here are a few simple tips to help you tackle the storm cleanup process in your community.
Deal with Water Damage
Flooding is a huge concern during notable storms, especially hurricanes. If a home or condominium floods, the resulting water damage can be devastating. Even a minor flood can facilitate the growth of mold and mildew, so it is essential to dry up any water as quickly as possible. Once the water has receded, set up industrial fans to eliminate water fast. Unfortunately, replacing carpet, drywall, and other materials that absorb moisture is necessary to prevent mold.
Clean Up Debris
When runaway trash cans, lawn furniture, toys, fallen branches, and other debris find their way to the streets, they become hazards. These items can cause accidents or damage to vehicles, and the mess can be dangerous. Set out to clean up debris as soon as possible following a notable storm.
Look for Landscaping Damage
Remove trees with severely damaged trunks right away. Injured trees are less stable, and they become serious risks. While the tree may not have fallen during the most recent storm, a future gust of wind could cause it to fall on someone's home or vehicle. If you aren't sure whether a tree is damaged enough to need to be removed, consult with a professional.
Contact Us
Storms can take a hard toll on your community. Working with an HOA management or condominium management company helps ensure that your community will recover and be back to normal again as quickly as possible. If you are looking for an expert community management company in Florida, contact Condominium Associates today!
