What would you do if disaster struck your building? Are you prepared? Facility, property, operations and maintenance professionals know that in property management, it’s a matter of when, not if, things happen. When fire, water, mold or bio-recovery damage affects your property from natural or man-made sources, your residents look to you to make decisions. How can you prepare?
- Have a plan. If you have an Emergency Action Plan, update it annually. If you don’t, get started!
- Communication is key. Staff and residents should be familiar with your emergency plan. Distribute the information frequently through newsletters, meetings, e-mails, and the management company website.
- Make sure you have an alert system in place to reach people during all hours of the day or night, including loud speakers, strobes, automated messages, and phone and e-mails alerts. Regularly update your contact list with multiple methods of contacting each person so you are able to reach everyone quickly.
- Test fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
- Know the locations of your emergency shut-offs for electricity, water, and your sprinkler system, as well as the zones each cover, to alert your first responders when they arrive.
- Hold an elevator-free Evacuation Plan meeting with residents. Practice the plan at least every six months.
- Designate a floor monitor for each floor. It is the responsibility of this person to make sure everyone on his or her floor is aware of emergencies.
- Test your vendors in advance. Make sure they truly deliver 24/7/365 service and their response is immediate as promised.
While we hope you will never experience a disaster, it is vital to be prepared when disaster strikes. Remember that ServiceMaster is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to quickly and completely restore your property. Looking for assistance putting your Emergency Action Plan together? We can help! For more information about how, contact Amanda at abeaupre@svmgilmore.com.
