We property managers like football as well as anyone, I guess. Since September is also National Preparedness Month, we are obsessing about more than football, we're talking safety. We obsess because a safe building is also a comfortable place to be, and we love making our tenants comfortable and our clients are happy keeping their tenants. Everyone wins!!
So I thought I would pass along the BOMA's (Building Owners and Managers Association) "Top Ten" tips we property managers will be reviewing in our huddles this month.
http://www.facilitiesnet.com/emergencypreparedness/article/BOMA-Preparedness-Top-Ten-List-for-National-Preparedness-Month-Facilities-Management-Emergency-Preparedness-News--11160
With hurricane season in full swing and experts predicting an increase
in cases of the H1N1 virus this fall, now is the time to revisit
preparedness plans, according to the Building Owners and Managers
Association (BOMA) International.
September is National Preparedness Month and BOMA has released a list of
ten best practices property professionals can adopt to ensure their
tenants, staff and buildings are safe in an emergency or natural
disaster.
An effective preparedness plan includes an emergency response plan, a
communications strategy and a blueprint for business continuity.
Here is a list of tips to help property professionals start planning now:
1. Review your plan. Regularly go over your building’s emergency
preparedness plan with your team to ensure everyone is familiar with all
aspects of emergency protocol.
2. Practice makes perfect. Have your preparedness team take part in
tabletop exercises, in which team members walk through various emergency
scenarios and propose responses to “what if” questions.
3. Involve your tenants. Make certain all of your tenants are aware
of the building evacuation procedures and encourage them to participate
in evacuation drills.
4. Communicate. Develop a multi-layered crisis communication plan
that is fast and effective in reaching tenants, local authorities and
agencies, and the media.
5. Stay alert. Sign up for daily alerts to monitor weather conditions and cases of pandemic influenza in your area.
6. Work with authorities. Review local evacuation procedures and identify the agency that will issue evacuation orders.
7. Cross-train staff. Identify and provide cross-training essential personnel to provide critical services.
8. Revisit HR policies. Determine how your company’s leave and salary
policies will apply in emergency situations, such as a pandemic flu
outbreak, when a significant portion of your workforce may be unable to
come to work.
9. Operate remotely. Consider identifying off-site work facilities or
telecommuting capabilities to ensure business continuity in the event
of a disaster.
10. Find the latest resources, such as informational websites.
