It's not talked about enough, but emergency preparedness is one of a landlord's most important responsibilities. Ensuring that the rental property is a habitable environment is not enough; property owners also need to be prepared for potential hazards and disasters. To honestly say that you have an emergency plan at the ready, you need to cover several bases.
Creating an Emergency Response Plan
Essential Contact Information
You must have a copy of all the contacts you need for emergency services to help you keep your tenants safe. Specific communication protocols must be established to keep you and your tenants informed during emergencies like power outages or natural disasters.
Here are some of the San Diego, CA utility providers, local authorities, public services, and other emergency contact information you need to save when needed:
- Power Outages (1-800-611-7343)
- Disaster Information (619-236-6876)
- Fire Department (619-533-4300)
- Lifeguard Business (619-221-8899)
- Police Department (619-531-2000)
- Non-Emergency Aid (211)
- San Diego City Info (619-236-5555)
- San Diego Gas & Electric (1-800-611-7343)
- San Diego Community Power (888-382-0169)
- Sempra Energy (619-696-2000)
Evacuation Procedures
A comprehensive emergency preparedness plan should detail emergency procedures for tenants to follow to avoid panic and disorganization, which can cause further harm. Identify emergency exits and evacuation routes and inform your residents about the protocols.
Knowing what to do when disaster strikes prevents the circumstances from escalating, and knowing where to go lets emergency responders spot you faster. Designate at least one escape route in case one becomes inaccessible, and consider how you might help tenants with disabilities if you house vulnerable populations.
Stocking Emergency Supply Kits and Equipment
A comprehensive emergency plan gets you and your residents out of danger. However, you still need the right resources and equipment for emergency preparedness, such as fire safety equipment and medical supplies. Such items you need on hand include:
- First Aid Kits for Minor Injuries
- Fire Extinguishers
- Three-Day Supply of Non-perishable Food Items
- One Gallon of Water per Person per Day
- Radios
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Cellphone Chargers
- Sanitation items
- Medications
- Copies of Essential Documents in a Waterproof Container
Assigning Roles
You may be able to prepare everything beforehand, but emergency management also involves delegating tasks when a disaster happens. As a landlord, you are responsible for emergency responses, communications, and coordination, whereas tenants are tasked with following emergency procedures, reporting incidents, and cooperating with first responders.
Preparing Your Property for Emergencies
Preventative Measures
Proactive planning and regular maintenance help minimize property damage and prevent incidents from getting out of hand. Install safety equipment and emergency devices, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Preventive maintenance can also make a difference in severe weather events. Cleaning and monitoring storm drains prevents flooding once the storm hits, and assessing the integrity of exterior walls can help mitigate potential hazards and costly repairs.
Property managers or landlords are responsible for ensuring that HVAC and electrical systems work correctly, which creates a secure living environment. It's better to manage rental properties responsibly and follow local regulations than to need emergency repairs and put your tenants at potential risk.
Reinforcing Your Property During Emergency Situations
There are situations like natural disasters where residents cannot leave the premises and must follow shelter-in-place procedures while landlords create a safe place for them. While awaiting helpful resources, you must take immediate action and use your prior knowledge about emergency preparedness to secure your property from potential disasters.
Your proactive approach may depend on the potential threats. Winter storms, for instance, call for protection against strong winds and cold weather, whereas hurricanes need you to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding. Knowing what to prepare for ensures your tenants' well-being and minimizes damage.
For hurricanes:
- Secure windows and doors using storm shutters or plywood
- Reinforce your roof and fasten your shingles
- Trim trees
- Elevate your furnishings and other belongings
For floods:
- Turn off the main power
- Elevate electrical outlets
- Store appliances
- Waterproof your basement
- Install flood barriers like sandbags
For wildfires:
- Prepare fire extinguishers
- Clear your surroundings of flammable debris
- Keep a garden hose nearby
- Ensuring smoke detectors are functional
Insurance Coverage and Financial Preparedness
One of the key components of emergency preparedness is having the right insurance plans to cover your losses. Depending on the man-made or natural disaster, some of the property damage might not be covered by your insurance, so you need to assess each insurance provider and find the best option for better emergency management.
What Kind of Insurance Should You Get?
A landlord insurance policy covers real estate or furnishings if they are damaged or lost to natural disasters, fire, electric fires, gas leaks, earthquakes, and other human-caused disasters, depending on the circumstances.
Filing an insurance claim can help you rebuild or recuperate from your losses and make the necessary repairs to your rental property. It's advisable to seek advice from professionals, such as insurance agents or property management companies.
How Much Does Insurance Cost?
Landlord insurance costs can vary from place to place. They can be higher in specific locations prone to accidents and disasters. The cost in San Diego can range from $700 to $2,500 annually, considering other factors like claims history, property condition and safety hazards, and coverage amount.
Looking to Property Management Professionals for Help
Managing rental properties is more than just completing your day-to-day tasks as a landlord. Ensuring your tenant's safety during emergencies is also paramount, and companies like Harland Property Management can help.
Our maintenance and property inspections help ensure tenants' safety in an emergency, and our property managers know their responsibilities under all circumstances. Thus, landlords can easily rest assured that their property and residents are cared for.
Let us help your business thrive and assist you in unexpected situations. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
