Preparing For Hurricanes

The Real Estate Espresso Podcast

Preparing For Hurricanes

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Preparing For Hurricanes: Essential Measures for Real Estate Investors

Welcome to a discourse on preparing for hurricanes in the world of real estate investing. Today, we will be exploring smart storm preparation strategies, particularly for property owners and real estate investors along the Gulf Coast.

Monitoring and Communicating

The process starts the moment we perceive a tropical storm taking form in the Gulf of Mexico. We begin following the storms closely. Concurrently, coordinating with occupants about feasible straits, including the possibilty of an evacuation is crucial to ensure their safety. We also need to figure out the evacuation routes- whether towards the center of the hurricane, or away from it.

Preparing for Power Outages

Storms frequently precipitate power outages, which in turn can affect the water supply. Thus, having sufficient quantities of drinkable water for extended power outages is a necessity. Besides stocking up on non-perishable food, ensuring the vehicle tanks and fuel containers for gas-based machinery are full is also recommended.

Securing Properties

During a hurricane, outdoor furniture and other loose items can turn into dangerous projectiles. I take precautions to ensure such items are secured or removed. Our properties, like Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care facilities for example, require communication with residents’ families about backup plans and evacuation strategies. Our experiences with Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020 served as a stern reminder of the damages unsecured properties can cause.

Checklist for Hurricane Preparation
Monitor storm progress and communicate with residents
Prepare for power and water outages
Ensure fuel availability
Secure properties and outdoor items
Design safeguards for property

Design Safeguards for Properties

These property damages cemented our view on the necessity for advanced design in safeguarding properties, from hurricane straps on the roof, to steel bolts anchoring the walls to the foundations. Each feature aids in fortifying our structures against hurricane damage.

Risks of Water Damage

Hurricanes carry a dual threat in the form of heavy rainfall and storm surges, resulting in potential water damages coming from both above and below. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure clear, unobstructed paths for water to drain away from your buildings. Cities like New Orleans and Houston have storm water management systems with dikes and active pumps, improvements in the wake of numerous past hurricanes.

Communication Plans

Lastly, preserving open lines of communication is vital in any disaster situation. Families must have a clear communication plan, designated meeting points and a common point of contact. Also, having external batteries to recharge your phone is a prudent move.

In conclusion, storm preparation is an absolute necessity for real estate investors and property owners, particularly during hurricane season. It’s crucial to have all the necessary plans in place. By doing so, it allows everyone to face upcoming storms not with fear, but with confidence and assurance.