Gearing Up for Severe Weather in HOA Communities

Spring and summer are prime times for severe storms in the Carolinas. As temperatures change and fronts push through, they can stir up strong winds, heavy rain, hail, tornadoes, dangerous lightening, and more. In addition, June is the start of hurricane season. Storms can pop up quickly meaning that homeowners need to be prepared in advance as severe weather approaches.

Prepare the Outside of Your Home

  • Before storms roll through, take the time to trim trees and shrubs to keep branches from damaging your home. Also look for any loose limbs that may come off in strong winds.
  • Consider replacing rocks or gravel with mulch or pine straw instead. Rocks can cause a lot of damage if whipped around by powerful winds.
  • Turn off irrigation systems if heavy rains are predicted to help reduce oversaturation of the ground.
  • Secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, or play equipment. Bring whatever you can indoors.

Create Emergency Plans and Kits

  • Do you know where the safest space in your home is in the event of a tornado warning? Where will everyone in your family meet up in case of an emergency? Put basic plans in place so that everyone knows what to do in severe weather situations.
  • Put together emergency kits in case you lose power or need to evacuate for a few days. Include flashlights with extra batteries, bottles of water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, emergency contact numbers, extra cash, and important documents and identification.

Update Contact Information

  • Does the HOA have your most current contact information in case something should happen while you are away or they need to get in touch with you regarding emergency situations?
  • If your pet is microchipped, is the contact information associated with this chip up to date in case your pet escapes or gets lost during or after a storm?

Stay alert

  • Download local weather or news apps on your phone and turn on notifications for severe weather.
  • Pay attention to the television or radio to know what is happening around you and where the storms are.
  • Have a portable battery-powered radio on hand in case you lose electricity. This will enable you to continue tracking the storms and any warnings.
  • Remember that storms can move and change directions and severity very quickly. Just because you’re not in the direct path right now doesn’t mean you won’t be later.

Severe storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes cause billions of dollars of damage in the United States every year. Do your part to stay safe by protecting your home and family. It can be a good idea for the HOA to remind homeowners of ways they can be prepared and what to do before, during, and after major storms. Partnering with a property management company like Kuester can improve communication and planning for the community.

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Bryan Kuester

Bryan Kuester

Bryan is the CEO of Kuester Management Group. He has over 15 years of managing community associations throughout North and South Carolina.

His specialties include Community Association Management - maintenance, budgeting for operational and reserve funding, long-range planning, covenant enforcement, amenity management, onsite management, large scale management.