Ways to prepare your HOA or condo for the next hurricane

As a board member of a condominium or homeowners association near the United States coastlines vulnerable to severe storms, preparedness is not optional. It is a core responsibility tied directly to resident safety, asset protection, and the community's long‑term financial health.

Hurricanes bring more than wind and rain. They can disrupt utilities, displace residents, damage building systems, and trigger complex insurance and recovery processes. The strongest communities are not those that react well under pressure, but those that plan early and partner effectively.

"Every storm season, we see the same pattern. Communities and high-rises reacting after the fact, waiting on contractors, navigating insurance delays, and managing resident frustration. Resilience First^SM shifts that experience. By lining up trusted expertise ahead of time, boards enter storm season with clarity instead of uncertainty."

Erik Levin, Vice President, Vendor Programs & Solutions, FirstService Residential

A comprehensive hurricane preparedness strategy goes far beyond boarding up windows or clearing outdoor furniture. It includes planning, training, communication, documentation, and recovery coordination. A professional property management company plays a critical role across every phase.
 

Discover Resilience First^SM - helping communities reduce avoidable damage and strengthen preparedness before and after weather events.
 

What hurricane preparedness looks like in real communities

For many boards and residents, the value of preparation becomes clearest after a storm has passed.

"Most importantly, my husband Tom and I would like to commend you on the outstanding job that you have done through the hurricane and the days that followed… You and the entire FirstService staff have made a very difficult situation bearable."

Resident, high-rise in Hoboken, NJ

"Thank you, thank you for a great job during Sandy… Providing us with info and keeping us informed… and keeping us safe. PS. Quick clean up exceeded our expectations."

Resident, HOA in Manchester, NJ

"Dan was awesome. He jumped in and did whatever it took… He took ownership of everything, rolled up his sleeves, and really helped."

Jennifer T., COA Board Member, Houston, TX

These experiences reflect what boards aim for: clarity, leadership, and calm coordination before, during, and after a major event.
 

Before hurricane season begins

Create and share a clear plan

Every community should have a written hurricane preparedness and response plan developed with its property management company. This plan should define responsibilities for board members, on‑site staff, vendors, and residents.

It is critical that the plan is shared in advance, not just approved by the board. Seasonal residents, families with special needs, and those who may be new to the community should all understand what to expect and what is expected of them.

Training and cross‑training staff and board members allows for continuity if key individuals are unavailable when a storm approaches.
 

Protect your records and data

Digital preparedness often receives less attention than physical readiness, but it is equally important. Governing documents, contracts, insurance policies, resident contact lists, building plans, and service records should be securely backed up and accessible remotely.

Having immediate access to these documents is essential during insurance claims, emergency repairs, and coordination with authorities.
 

Review contracts and insurance

Before hurricane season begins, boards should review vendor agreements to understand response times, priorities, and scope of services following a storm. Contracts with restoration, landscaping, security, and critical system vendors should be clear and up to date.

Insurance coverage should also be reviewed with professional guidance to confirm limits, deductibles, exclusions, and documentation requirements. Surprises discovered after a storm can slow recovery and increase financial strain.
 

Document conditions in advance

Photograph and video common areas, building systems, and association assets while they are in good condition. Time‑ and date‑stamped documentation strengthens insurance claims and shortens assessment timelines after a storm.
 

Prepare financially

Electronic payment systems and contingency funding plans help associations continue operating if board members or signatories are temporarily displaced. Establishing access to emergency funding or credit before it is needed can prevent costly delays in critical repairs.
 

When a storm is imminent

Secure facilities and systems

As forecasts become more precise, communities should focus on removing potential hazards and projectiles, securing equipment, preparing generators, and implementing system shutdown procedures where appropriate.

Pools, amenities, and common areas should be closed or secured in accordance with the community plan and local guidance.
 

Communicate early and often

Clear communication is one of the most important tools during a hurricane threat. Residents need consistent updates about what the association is doing, what residents should do inside their homes, evacuation information, and how communication will continue if normal channels are disrupted.

Using multiple communication methods increases the chance that critical information reaches everyone.

"Because disaster conditions evolve rapidly and misinformation tends to proliferate, reliable communication is essential. During Hurricane Ian, we recognized that widespread power disruptions prevented our email updates from reaching the community. To counter this, we transitioned to emergency broadcast systems to guarantee that vital, life-saving details reached our residents without delay."

Brent Reynolds, President, Master Planned Communities, South Region, FirstService Residential

After the storm

Act quickly but safely

Once it is safe to enter the property, immediate steps should focus on mitigating further damage. This may include securing openings, removing debris, addressing water intrusion, and restricting access to unsafe areas.

Documentation remains critical. Damage should be photographed and logged before permanent repairs begin, whenever possible.
 

Keep the plan active

Recovery is not a single task but a coordinated process. Designated points of contact for residents, vendors, and emergency services help reduce confusion and maintain trust.

Boards should expect recovery to take time and should communicate transparently about progress, priorities, and next steps.

"Whatever plan you think you have is probably the best‑case scenario. Don’t be afraid to assess the current situation and do what works best in that moment."

Anh Nguyen, Vice President, Condo-HOA, South Region, FirstService Residential

Manage insurance and rebuilding deliberately

Insurance claims and restoration often move at different speeds. Boards should avoid rushing into settlements or signing releases without full information. Careful documentation, professional guidance, and structured oversight help protect the association’s interests throughout the rebuilding process.

"We have built strong relationships with vendors who specialize in emergency response, from hazardous material removal to restoring elevators and power systems. Those relationships matter when communities need help quickly after a hurricane."

Ivy Montero, Vice President, Condo-HOA, Boca Raton, South Region, FirstService Residential

Why professional property management matters

Hurricane preparedness and recovery are complex, high‑stakes responsibilities. A professional property management company brings experience, vendor relationships, communication systems, and operational scale that most volunteer boards do not have on their own.

When plans are in place and partnerships are established before a storm, communities are better positioned to respond decisively, protect residents, and recover faster.

You cannot control hurricane season. But with preparation, leadership, and the right support, you can control its impact on your community.

To learn how a professional management company like FirstService Residential can support your community before, during, and after a hurricane, contact a member of our team.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.