What can landlords do in preparation for the hurricane season?
Before the hurricane season arrives, a landlord should conduct a property inspection to identify repair or protective work that must be done. To hurricane proof the property, the landlord should be prepared to keep wind and water out, roof shingles secured, and any openings, cracks, or holes sealed against moisture.
The property inspection should:
- Check the rental property for dead trees, damaged trees or large branches that could fall due to high winds.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts to allow water to drain properly. Making sure all gutters are clear from debris will help prevent water from pooling and causing roof leaks or other water damage issues.
- Check the roof for damage, leaks, or loose shingles. Install roof clips or hurricane straps to help keep the roof attached to the building structure.
Additionally a landlord may consider installing storm shutters for windows and doors to protect against heavy wind damage, and stockpile emergency protective building materials such as plywood, sandbags, and plastic sheeting for storm proofing and repairs.
It is recommended that prior to the expected landfall of the storm a landlord should:
- Board up windows and doors with plywood and/or close permanent storm shutters.
- Tape exposed glass to help protect against breaking.
- Secure garage doors.
- Take in all outdoor furniture, umbrellas, garbage cans, or other loose objects that could be propelled into the air.
- Reduce the risk of damage from flooding by elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances and heating systems and place sandbags around the property’s perimeter in front of the doors.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Turn off the main gas valve.
Landlords can help tenants prepare for weather emergencies by providing safety and protection tips such as:
- Always pay attention to storm alerts and warnings. Download a weather alert app to stay informed of the latest weather conditions and be prepared to evacuate as necessary.
- Keep cell phones charged in case the power goes out. It’s also a good idea to have fully charged rechargeable power sources for your important electronic devices.
- Create an emergency plan including evacuation routes and household communication protocols.
- Make a pet plan. Many emergency shelters do not allow pets. Make plans ahead of time on what to do with pets if evacuation is required.
- Create an emergency kit with supplies that may be needed for an extended period of time without power. The emergency kit can be used to shelter in place or function as a “grab and go bag” if evacuation to an emergency shelter becomes necessary.
- Vehicles should have full tanks of gas in the event evacuation is necessary.
- Make sure all pets are indoors.
- Close all windows and doors.
- Move all furniture away from exposed windows and doors.
- Fill bathtubs, sinks, washing machines, or other containers with water for emergency water supply and sanitation purposes.
- Set the refrigerator setting to the coldest setting to keep foods cold longer. Do not open refrigerator unless necessary.
- Move to a small, interior, windowless room in the center of the unit/building that is on the lowest level not subject to flooding.