HAS Services
The New Way to Success Advance Progress
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
When natural disaster strikes, it's essential that real estate professionals remain safe, but also to look out for their clients and their families so that they have the resources they need. HAS Properties can prepare itself and their clients for natural disasters, and help families in the wake of a tragedy.
Emergencies and disasters happen and, in many instances, you cannot avoid them. The Webster Dictionary terms an emergency as “an unexpected situation that requires prompt action” and a disaster as “a grave occurrence having harmful results.”
Emergencies and Disasters in Property Management
In the property management world, we see emergencies such as loss of heat, a gas leak, a water leak causing flooding in the property, etc. – basically, the emergencies are anything that endanger a tenant’s well-being. A disaster would be a major flood, tornado, hurricane, tsunami, landslide, earthquake, or some other natural act of nature. This year, once again, many parts of the country have suffered devastating events that no one can stop, or even predict, such as fires, flooding, hurricanes, and tornados.
Since you cannot avoid many emergencies or disasters, the only choice in our business is to be prepared with emergency procedures for when they happen.
HAS Properties can help in three keys areas to plan – before, during, and after the event in question.
Before the event
- Plan emergency/disaster office procedures and train personnel.
- Prepare tenants, whenever possible, on what to do in the event of an emergency/disaster.
- Identify emergency services to call when the situation happens.
- Identify vendors who will service the necessary repairs/cleanup.
- Monitor reports when there are events predicted.
During the event
- Implement office emergency/disaster procedures.
- Monitor conditions closely as they are happening.
- Keep all incoming lines open when possible.
- Prioritize “emergencies” during any situation.
- Counsel tenants as needed.
- Initiate critical repairs.
- Evacuate properties if necessary.
- Close the office, if necessary, with recorded emergency instructions.
After the event
- Determine the extent of the damage and cost of repairs/cleanup.
- Notify owners as soon as practical.
- Issue notices to vacate if the situation warrants.
What can a property owner do during an emergency/disaster?
The before, during, and after items listed previously outline what the property management company has to do when an emergency or disaster occur.
The owner has some key roles as well:
- Owners should check yearly to ensure they have adequate insurance needed for emergency/disaster situations. It is important to make time to research different insurance companies for the best coverage.
- If advised of necessary preparations that would help the property or a pending situation, heed them.
- When an emergency/disaster occurs, it is crucial to understand that the property manager must handle the situation first, and notify owners when the situation allows.
- If it is a disaster situation, it is important to avoid repeated calls, tying up crucial telephone lines and demanding to know the situation. Unnecessary calls could interrupt important actions that may affect your property. You need to counsel family members as well regarding calls.
- Be patient during the aftermath of any major situation. It takes time to figure out the best solution, such as what vendor can do the work and how long the work will take. In some situations, it can be months to obtain the services of contractors and complete the jobs.
- Work with your insurance company to assist the property manager. Companies often only want to communicate with the owner of the property – so help us out.
- Extend support to our company when it is necessary to evacuate the tenant for their safety and to repair the property. This can also reduce liability to you.
- Do not take the situation personally – it is something no one can prevent and everyone needs to work together to work through the problems.
Be a Winner
HAS Properties takes a fresh approach to helping you get the best from your property sale. We combine local expertise in the property market with international reach and a desire to go the extra mile in your search for the perfect buyer.
Communication
Real estate is a people business and the way we communicate has direct impact on your success! HAS Properties Knows: Communication Is Key!
Customer Support
We’re committed to providing the highest level of support for our customers who advertise on HAS Properties.
Resources to empower your success
At HAS Properties, we want to get behind you and the real estate industry. That’s why we’ve created Advantage!
Meet Our Team
Rockstars of HAS Properties
