by: Lourdes de Armas, Hawaiiana Management Company, Ltd.
During this time of year, particularly due to hurricane season, people tend to focus on safety and emergency preparedness. In reality, safety should be, and is for some, a part of everyday life. As building owners and residents stay informed of pending emergency situations via various information outlets, building managers prepare and take measures to better ensure safety and the preservation of life and property during and after a storm or other emergency. However not all associations, owners, residents or buildings have a plan.
If you’re reading this article and you, your loved ones and/or your building does not have an Emergency Action Plan, it is past time to develop one. There are plenty of online resources that offer free templates on the subject of emergency preparedness. You should have an EAP (Emergency Action Plan) for all the major disasters known to affect Hawaii, both natural and other — hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, fire, flood, and active shooter. Sample Emergency Action Plan templates from OSHA (Occupational Safety and health Administration), the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and DHS (Department of Homeland Security) can be found online.
In the case of hurricanes, your plan should involve both pre- and post-storm preparations that should be readily accessible throughout the year, so you don’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute. If you’re a building or site manager, include a plan in your building management program to help identify any residents that may require assistance. A sample hurricane preparedness plan can be found online at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-
ofemergencies/hurricane.html
Another sample emergency preparedness plan provided by the State of Hawaii Emergency Management Agency can be found online at:
http://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/public-
resources/preparedness-information/.
As for tsunami’s, have a plan to move to high ground within 10 minutes of an alarm and have basic provisions ready to sustain yourself and your loved ones for a period of several days. Building and site managers should have an evacuation exit strategy for residents and personnel to move to high ground and identify the point that makes the most sense with the greatest ease of access. A sample Tsunami preparedness plan provided by NOAA and the National Weather Service that is specific to Hawaii can be found online at:
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/pages/tsunami_safet y.php.
To prepare for earthquakes, familiarize yourself with the basic information that is readily available online. Seek shelter underneath doorways. Familiarize yourself and your loved ones with the procedure and practice it!
During the Marco Polo fire on Oahu in 2017, we witnessed our finest first responders accomplish exceptional feats of heroism and bravery. First responders are extraordinary men and women who risk their own safety to help others. But during a major catastrophe, there may be times when there are not enough first responders to assist everyone who might be affected. Therefore, familiarize yourself with your property’s fire evacuation plan and practice it with your loved ones and/or staff to ensure you can be as self-sufficient as possible. This said, follow the directions of our first responders in all cases. Concerning floods, you should develop a plan to gain high ground; with or without a vehicle; and avoid crossing running water.
As for the active shooter situation, no one likes to talk about this, but the reality is that it is being reported more often and we are more aware of it than ever before. Your EAP should include a contingency plan in the case of an active shooter. Check the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) website for specific information at: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness.
Related to preparing for emergencies, one of the major challenges we all face revolves around funding. As an example, as a result of the fire at Marco Polo, the issue of fire sprinklers is now the order of the day. If you’re an Association Manager, Board member or individual owner, plan to adequately fund your reserves or savings for unforeseen contingencies. If you’re a Building Manager, develop a fire safety plan you can use now, with or without sprinklers. Building Managers can also contact the Fire Inspector’s Office for assistance in developing or improving a fire safety plan. Visit https://www.honolulu.gov/hfd for more details.
Most importantly, in the event of any catastrophe, be sure to incorporate communications into your plan. It is very difficult to implement any plan if you cannot communicate. Stay tuned to news and weather via online, cell phone, radio; and be ready and able to communicate with loved ones and staff.
Having knowledge and familiarity is the one thing you can do to help yourself, help others, and self-sustain during any disaster which will allow emergency responders to attend to true emergencies. Use your common sense, educate yourself and develop a plan to take care of yourself and your loved ones, and your employees and staff, which will allow you to help others in need. Don’t be the “deer in the headlights” that gets caught unprepared. Periodically review your plan with your loved ones and/or staff members. A once a quarter review is recommended; a semi-annual review is also acceptable.
Please take the following away from this article: 1) Develop an Emergency Action Plan. If you have one already, revisit it and make any necessary modifications and periodically review it with your loved ones and/or staff; and 2) In the case of a condo or homeowner’s association or individual resident, adequately fund your reserves or savings to plan for unforeseen emergencies and/or circumstances. The simple addition of a line item in your budget planning at an appropriate dollar amount for your building/property will go a long way in helping to ensure the preservation of your life and the lives of those you love, as well as your home and investment.
While it is true we can’t plan for everything, it is unwise not to plan. Be ready. Do the right thing. Do what makes sense. Take care of yourselves and each other.