Condominium Emergency Preparedness

TOP TIPS

Residents of condominiums located within an ordered evacuation zone will be asked to evacuate, either to another location of their choice or to a Red Cross shelter. No one should remain in the building.
Residents must contact the Building Manager or Board President if there are concerns about the protection of the building (e.g. lack of shutters, or if assistance is needed to install shutters). A Building Coordinator should be selected in advance (well before the onset of Hurricane Season) who has knowledge of hurricane preparedness, and can lead residents on how to prepare for the storm.
Building Managers and Board Presidents of condominiums located within areas not ordered to evacuate should establish a building security detail to coordinate hurricane preparedness activities for multiple tenant buildings.
Designate a person to be a liaison with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) for information before and after the hurricane.

BEFORE THE STORM

Building Managers and Presidents:

Locate a safe area for residents to wait out the storm. Instruct them to stay away from windows and sliding glass doors.
Make provisions for sheltering other people who might be trapped when evacuation routes are closed by the storm.
Test the operation of the emergency generator, if there is one. Check fuel level.
Bring all fire extinguishers indoors.
Make certain First-Aid kits are fully stocked.
Ensure tools and materials that might be needed for repairs are readily accessible.
Secure grounds by setting up guidelines for safety of cars and recreational equipment.
If your building has elevators, see the "Elevator" section of this document for more detailed information on what steps should be taken to prepare your building's elevator for a hurricane.

RESIDENTS:

If permitted, install shutters, and check fasteners to ensure shutters are snug against the wall.
Close and lock all windows and sliding glass doors.
Draw all shades. Close all blinds and drapes.
Place folded towels on windowsills and inside the bottom of doors leading outside to absorb any leaking water.
Wedge patio doors shut to prevent them from being blown off.
Remove all loose items from terrace or patio (hanging plants, lawn chairs, etc.) Do not place outdoor furniture in the swimming pool as it could be damaged while in the pool or cause damage if blown out of the pool by high wind.
Remove all objects from wall shelves (these items can become deadly missiles when high winds occur). Store in closet and off of the floor to safeguard from storm vibrations.
Locate the exit stairwell nearest to you and count the number of steps from your door to the exit (in case lights are out in the hallway).
Stay inside your condominium in a room with few or no windows (preferably the bathroom).
Determine a location outside of the building for members of your family to meet in the event you are asked to evacuate.
Always have a landline phone available. Cordless phones are useless in a power outage.

ELEVATORS

ELEVATORS SHOULD BE PROPERLY PREPARED BEFORE A HURRICANE EMERGENCY.

BEFORE THE STORM:

Clear out gutters, drains and downspouts to prevent an accumulation of rainwater that may cascade to the floors below and find its way into the elevator shafts, causing electrical shortages and resultant shutdown.
Park the elevator car at the top floor so that if an upper floor is flooded, the water will not fall on top of the car and damage its operating panel, door operator, electrical devices and wiring.
Pull the disconnect switches in the machine room and close and lock the door to prevent anyone from using the elevator during the storm.

DURING THE STORM:

Elevators should not be operated during a hurricane emergency. Water may damage the machinery and passengers can become trapped in the cars. Telephones may be inoperative and elevator mechanics may be unable to handle emergencies due to flooded and unsafe roads.

AFTER THE STORM:

Once the hurricane is over, check the elevator machine room, all electrical equipment, hoist ways and pits before starting the elevators.
If water has affected any of these areas, have the equipment inspected before allowing the elevators back in service.
Taking these precautions may prevent elevator shutdowns, unnecessary repair expenses, inconvenience and personal injury.

SENIORS

TOP TIPS:

Gather important identification information well in advance of the hurricane.
- Basic identification information can be printed on an armband.
- More extensive identification should be in a wallet or purse.
- IN ORDER TO RETURN TO THE ISLAND AFTER THE EVACUATION ORDER IS LIFTED, YOU MUST HAVE A FLORIDA DRIVERS LICENSE WITH AN ADDRESS IN SOUTH PALM BEACH.
Have a small bag packed with several changes of clothes, one month's supply of medications, important papers.
Have a disaster supply kit on hand, including:
- Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First Aid kit
- Emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener) 3-5 days supply
- Essential medication, both prescription and over the counter
- Cash and Credit Cards
- Copies of important papers (bank statements, insurance records, pictures, deeds, etc.)
- Review the family disaster plan

WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH OR WARNING IS ISSUED:

Listen to hurricane progress reports. Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
Check your emergency supplies. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings.
Freeze containers of ice.
Make certain vehicle gas tanks are full.
Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supply kit.
Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.

IF EVACUATION IS NECESSARY:

If officials order evacuation, leave as soon as possible.
Avoid flooded roads.
Secure your home.
Leave contact number with Manager or President.
Take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm, protective clothing.

BEFORE A HURRICANE STRIKES:

Plan a safe evacuation route and identify safe shelter space within your area.
- Those in storm zones, flood zones, or occupying less than standard housing should be especially vigilant in preparing disaster plans.
- Contact your local American Red Cross chapter and ask for the community preparedness plan.