Emergency Response Planning
Written by Ed Clark, Spectrum Enterprises
At a conference earlier this year I attended a discussion regarding emergency preparedness. Credit to Lenora Nelson for some excellent advice. Remember, in the event there is a major event at your property, you should consider yourself a kind of “first responder” because your tenants do! This past year properties all over the country had to cope with fires/floods/hurricanes/tornadoes/power outages/explosions and all manner of potential chaos. Being prepared for the unlikely can help your property get back to normal quickly.
Things to have:
Flashlights and extra batteries
Handheld weather radio with crank for charging
At least 3 gallons of drinking water for each staff member
Non-perishable foods
Cleaning agents
Emergency blankets
First Aid Kit
HELPFUL TIPS:
- REMAIN CALM! Your tenants will take their cues from you.
- Check for damage in the office. If electrical power is out, turn off the main breaker.
- Know where to shut off the gas supply if requested by either the Utility Company or Emergency Responders.
- Social Media (Facebook, Google Plus etc.) have proven to be very helpful. So are having two way radios and cell phones. If your weather radio has a USB port you can charge up cell phones.
- COMPANY CONTACTS: Regional Corporate office staff. Make sure these numbers are readily available to all site staff.
- EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Local PD/Local FD/Red Cross/Emergency Shelters/ Hospitals/etc.
- VENDOR LIST: should include contact numbers/account numbers/Tax ID/Passwords and any other information needed to restore services
- SITE STAFF: Ask them what tools are critical for them to continue to perform their dutiesin a disaster and make sure those tools are on hand.
I’ll post more on this issue in my next blog.