Multifamily Property Hurricane
Preparation

1. Fortify the Building Envelope
    Your building’s exterior is the first line of defense against high winds and flying debris.
 

• Inspect Roofs: Check for loose commercial roofing membranes, damaged flashing, or clogged drains. Water pooling on flat roofs can lead to structural failure under heavy rain.

• Secure Openings: Verify that impact-resistant windows are clear of defects. Ensure storm shutters operate smoothly and that technicians know how to deploy them quickly.

• Seal Exterior Cracks: Heavy wind-driven rain can penetrate tiny stucco fissures. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and expansion joints to prevent costly interior water damage.

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2. Manage the Grounds and Landscaping

    High winds turn unanchored property features into destructive projectiles.
 

• Trim Tree Canopies: Prune dead limbs and thin out heavy tree canopies near apartment units, power lines, and parking structures.

• Clear Commons Areas: Identify loose items that must be brought indoors when a watch is issued, including pool furniture, trash cans, fitness equipment, and tenant patio decor.

• Check Drainage Systems: Ensure catch basins, retention ponds, and French drains are completely free of debris to prevent flash flooding on the property.

 

3. Service Critical Power and Utility Systems

    Power outages are a guarantee during major storms. Protect your building's infrastructure before the grid goes down.
 

• Test Backup Generators: Service emergency generators, test automatic transfer switches, and secure a guaranteed fuel supply contract.

• Elevate Equipment: Double-check that ground-level electrical transformers, HVAC units, and water pumps are securely anchored and elevated above local flood lines.

• Backup Digital Data: Move property management software, tenant rolls, and financial records to secure cloud-based servers.

 

4. Update Communication and Vendor Agreements

     Coordination during a crisis saves lives and preserves real estate value.
 

• Update Tenant Rosters: Distribute clear evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and property rules to all residents or commercial tenants.

• Align Post-Storm Vendors: Establish pre-approved emergency response contracts with trusted commercial general contractors, mitigation teams, and tarping services to jump to the front of the line after a storm passes.

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Protect Your Asset This Season

Don't risk the structural integrity of your multifamily property. Taking these proactive steps mitigates major financial losses and liability.