Hurricane Preparedness Panel Recap: Expert Advice on Ensuring Safety and Preparedness
On May 16th, the Brickell Homeowners Association hosted a highly informative Hurricane Preparedness Panel. The event was a valuable resource for residents and property owners, offering a comprehensive overview of hurricane preparation, response, and recovery. Experts shared many insights and practical tips to help the community stay safe and prepared.
Preparation and Response Strategies
The panel began by outlining the meticulous process that the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County follow before, during, and after a hurricane. Guest included Alexandra Alexevia with Commissioner Pardos Office, Asst. Chief Adrian Plasencia and Alejandro Fernandez shared key preparation activities, including:
Pre-Hurricane:
Cleaning drains to prevent flooding.
Securing sites by reaching out to crane operators.
Preparing shelters and communicating with residents about safety procedures and best practices
Downloading the 311 App and I See Change App.
Fuel Reserves are secured.
During Hurricane:
Keeping emergency services and critical infrastructure teams on standby.
Managing the immediate impacts of the hurricane through coordinated efforts.
Post-Hurricane:
Clearing debris to restore normalcy.
Restoring utilities as swiftly as possible.
Conducting thorough damage assessments to expedite community recovery.
Cleaning down lines and buildings that may have been damaged.
Insurance and Documentation by Global Pro
Matthew Sengsourinh from Global Pro emphasized the importance of having insurance and documentation:
Ensure you have a certified policy both on-site and in digital format.
He recommended taking detailed photos of the property before a hurricane strikes and using drones to capture aerial views of condos and other properties. This documentation serves as vital evidence for insurance claims and helps efficiently assess damages.
Additionally, drawing from his experience with Hurricane Ian, he recommended moving electric vehicles (EVs) to higher parking garage levels to avoid potential fires caused by saltwater entering the battery source.
Mitigation is the critical process of reducing the severity of the damage and preventing further issues following a storm. This will prevent further damage, facilitate faster recovery, reduce long-term costs, and enhance the community’s resilience.
Hurricane Preparation Stages by the Falcon Group
Sinsai Kolar from Falcon Group provided an in-depth discussion on building maintenance:
Window Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain windows to ensure they are secure and withstand strong winds.
Balcony Furniture: Secure or remove furniture from balconies to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Impact-Resistant Glass and Roof Maintenance: Highlight the importance of impact-resistant glass and proper roof maintenance. Ensure roofs are inspected and prepared well before hurricane season.
Condo Preparation Checklist by KWPMC
Sherwin Lewis from KWPMC highlighted several critical aspects of hurricane preparation for condominiums:
Cleaning Drains: Ensure all drains are free from debris and obstructions to prevent flooding.
Membrane Maintenance: Check waterproof building membranes for any signs of damage or wear and tear to prevent water infiltration and structural damage.
Securing AV Units: Strap down AV units and either shut them down entirely or opt for a partial shutdown, depending on the circumstances.
Post-Hurricane Reopening: Gradually reopen and use the power to assess potential damages.
Safety Precautions: Only enter the condo if the fire marshal and the property management company have cleared it.
Communication by Hotwire Communications
Justin Mila from Hotwire Communications shared their hurricane preparedness strategy:
Multiple Backups: Emphasize the importance of having backups to backups.
Infrastructure Preparedness: Build infrastructure with hurricane alley challenges in mind, including eight hours of battery reserve and 2000 gallons of diesel fuel to support condos.
Team Support: Have a dedicated team to assist areas hit by hurricanes, exemplifying their commitment when the Miami team assisted the West Coast after a storm and vice versa.
Thank You
Thank you to our sponsors—Global Pro, Falcon Group, KWPMC, and Hotwire Communications—for your unwavering support. We are also deeply grateful to our guests, the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, for your active involvement and valuable contributions. Your participation has been crucial to our success, and we sincerely appreciate your dedication and generosity. Last but certainly not least, a special thank you to our host sponsor, 500 Brickell Condo, along with its Board and Staff members, for welcoming us into their remarkable home.
