1.) Create an emergency preparedness plan and team to deal with emergency issues
2.) Identify objects within the building envelope that would need to be removed, stored or secured (e.g., trash cans, site furniture, materials stored on roof)
3.) Identify doors and windows that would need to be boarded over or taped to reduce flying glass in event of breakage
4.) Identify additional building elements that may warrant special attention such as roofing materials, flashing and coping materials, roof vents and air intakes, awnings, gutters and downspouts, roof-mounted, post-mounted or suspended signage, free-standing equipment and siding materials
5.) Review local evacuation procedures and identify the agency that will issue evacuation order
6.) Determine how the evacuation order will be communicated and where evacuation routes and shelters are located
7.) Begin preparations for a possible shutdown and evacuation of your building when a hurricane watch is issued. Do not wait until a warning is issued — it may be too late
8.) Make certain all your tenants are aware of the building evacuation procedures in the event of a hurricane, and encourage tenants to participate in evacuation drills
9.) Develop a system to notify tenants of building status after storm
10.) Appoint a re-entry team to access building damage
"Preparedness is the key to protecting your tenants and your facility in the event of a hurricane," said BOMA International Chairman and Chief Elected Officer Kurt R. Padavano, RPA, CPM, FMA, SMA, and Chief Operating Officer of Advance Realty Group of Bedminster, N.J. "By having a comprehensive and updated emergency preparedness plan in place, building owners and mangers can protect themselves in the event of any disaster at any time."
BOMA International offers guidance on designing an emergency preparedness plan to help commercial property professionals prepare for any type of situation. Everything building owners or manager need to develop, assess or re-evaluate your emergency preparedness plan is available in "The Property Professional's Guide to Emergency Preparedness" and "Are Your Tenants Safe?" Both publications cover planning for the multitude of situations that property professionals encounter, both natural and man-made disasters. For a full list of BOMA publications related to safety and emergency preparedness, visit the BOMA Store at www.boma.org.