What should you do when severe weather strikes? Now that Summer is in full swing; it is a fair question for property owners and residents. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development urges residents and property owners to prepare before severe weather hits.

In the event severe weather causes damage, HUD has strict reporting guidelines. Owners and HUD management agents should immediately report any physical property damage. This includes damage indoors or outdoors caused by fire, floods, severe storms, or other natural disasters. Click Here for a link to reporting forms applicable to you.

Again, HUD requires these forms 24 hours after any damage. Right now, we are in the middle of hurricane season. HUD reminds owners not to evict tenants to make any hurricane-related damage repairs. In light of hurricane season beginning, we’ve compiled this list to help you get ready before a storm impacts your area.

Expectations of Property Owners and Managers during Severe Weather:

1. Developing a pre-disaster checklist to share with residents
2. Developing a relocation plan prior to a disaster. This plan should specifically address elderly and disabled residents.
3. Secure property and property records. Valuables and possessions of residents should also be as secure as possible.
4. Contact the local HUD office immediately following a severe weather related disaster.
5. Provide a status report on residents and property conditions.
6. Obtain emergency contact numbers of residents, especially if they will be displaced from the property.
7. Contact the insurance provider for the property to apply for property and business interruption claims.
8. Inventory all residents, property, phone numbers, mailing addresses, and emails.
9. Take note of residents displaced due to damaged units.
10. In the event of a disaster, managers should also track residents temporary locations and contact information. This is especially important if properties will have units offline for more than 30 days.

Moreover, property managers and owners should stay close with FEMA for ongoing guidance during severe weather related disasters. Additionally, owners and managers should instruct residents to register with FEMA in the event of a disaster. Click here for more information on the FEMA registration process.

In addition to FEMA assistance, the Small Business Association, Housing Finance Agency, and others can help property owners, managers, and residents if disaster strikes.