How South Florida’s condos, HOAs should prepare for upcoming hurricane season | Opinion
Hurricane season is approaching quickly and forecasters are predicting an intense one ahead. And while we South Floridians are no strangers to these storms, it’s crucial to recognize the potent cocktail of factors like La Nina that amplify their destructive potential. The threat is compounded for properties along the coastline, where the convergence of strong winds, surging waters and airborne debris pose a formidable challenge.
From the catastrophic lessons of Hurricane Andrew to havoc wreaked by Hurricane Harvey, our history is punctuated by the stark reminders of nature’s fury. With June around the corner, the onus falls squarely on property managers and homeowners’ associations (HOAs) to fortify their defenses and safeguard their communities against the impending tempests.
Are we ready? Now is the time to prepare.
Know your building
Thanks to major previous storms like Hurricane Andrew, the building codes across the state — especially Miami-Dade and Broward – have been upgraded, requiring materials that could withstand severe weather in new buildings.
However, residents living in high-rises close to our beautiful beaches may be the most vulnerable. According to the Community Associations Institute, 75% of South Florida buildings with 20-49 units were built prior to 1992 (the year Hurricane Andrew hit), and 59% of buildings with more than 50 units were built prior to 1990.
Property managers for these older buildings must be proactive now in repairing and renovating structural and foundational elements most likely to fail in a storm. The new Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule 61B-22.005 not only requires condominium associations to assess their structural resilience through a structural integrity reserve study (SIRS), but also mandates a reserve fund to cover costs.
From windows to electrical infrastructure, roof repairs to open hallways and unsecured decorations, every element should be evaluated. Even details such as keeping landscaping maintained can help minimize damage and ensure outdoor spaces remain safe. Should your study identify weak structural elements that may fail in a storm, proactive remediation today will save time and money — and lives — later.
HOAs, condo associations play pivotal roles
HOAs and condo associations play an important role in hurricane season preparation. From adopting comprehensive emergency plans to providing clear communication channels for residents, they are crucial for resident safety before, during and after a hurricane.
Board members and association leaders are the conduit to residents, organizing evacuation procedures, guiding them to safety and mobilizing community resources. Post-storm, they facilitate the assessment of damage and coordinate repairs, streamlining the recovery process and ensuring a swift return to normalcy. In essence, HOA and condo associations become the symbol of a community’s ability to survive and thrive after a storm.
Post-storm planning is critical
When the storm hits, the real work begins. It’s crucial to have a well-thought-out plan for the aftermath, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to likely scenarios. From assessing structural integrity to scheduling repairs, having a clear recovery road map is essential for bouncing back effectively.
Leveraging new technology can be a game-changer in post-storm planning and recovery. With weather tracking apps and building monitoring systems, property residents can stay informed, ready to navigate the challenges with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Even communication apps that automate messages to residents about damage, repairs, outages and more, can help ensure their safety when returning to their units.
Year after year, hurricanes will continue to threaten our coastline. Your actions today shape your building’s resilience tomorrow. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering a community spirit of preparedness, we can build a brighter tomorrow. Let’s unite, prepare and face the storms ahead with determination and resilience.
Greg Batista, P.E. and CEO of G. Batista Engineering and Construction, is a sought-after subject matter expert on building inspections, structural integrity studies, concrete repair and condominium remediation.
