Hurricane season lasts for almost six months every year, which begins in June and ends in November. With New Orleans ’ climate and topography, flooding in some areas is unavoidable. It can pose significant safety and resiliency threats, so it is vital that a property manager in New Orleans, LA should plan and prepare carefully.
Speedy recovery after a hurricane depends on preparation, early planning, and understanding of what to do. Even though it is not your responsibility to take care of tenants in an emergency, preparing them means protecting the property as well.
Keeping a checklist of what to prepare before a hurricane can help you avoid or limit property damage and losses.
4 Things A Property Manager In New Orleans Should Prepare For In Case of Hurricane
1. Update your Tenant List and Contact Information
In addition to keeping your property contact information current, you need to know who is presently living at each property and who should be contacted if there is an emergency. Keep your system’s service providers up-to-date, and make sure all necessary certificates are available.
Storm-related damage must be repaired as soon as possible for tenants. A good roofing contractor and a good general contractor should be at the top of your list.
2. Create a Team of Responders
Plan an organization-wide hurricane plan and designate a team to update and communicate it. Write down the tasks and responsibilities for each stage: before, during, and after the hurricane. List the employees’ roles and let the organization know what they are.
Tenants have specific expectations about how your organization will prepare for and respond to hurricanes. Make sure you define your policies clearly so you can set expectations with tenants before a storm.
3. Get Your Tenants Ready
Your tenants should feel that direct communication regarding hurricane preparedness concerns their safety rather than an examination of your regulations.
When a hurricane is approaching, even hurricane veterans can feel frightened. Consider how anxious your tenants will be in the days leading up to the first hurricane. Giving your tenants a sense of security and confidence in you as their property manager can go a long way toward ensuring their safety and trust in you.
4. Take Charge
Whenever possible, stay in touch with your tenants before, during, and after a hurricane. There is a good chance that power and service provider disruptions will occur, but stay as close to the situation as possible.
Reach out to each tenant after the storm to assess their safety and damages to their properties. Start to make a list of the repairs that need to be addressed and claimed.
While hurricane season can be stressful for any property manager, you’ll be able to gain renters’ goodwill and be in control with some planning. Assuring your tenants that they’re well taken care of will help build trust that pays off later.
Rental property owners in New Orleans, LA should work with a property manager who can prepare a customized, comprehensive disaster plan tailored to the needs of their community. Get in touch with a dedicated property manager throughout New Orleans, Louisiana.
