Emergency & Disaster Library
The documents contained in this library are intended to help NAA members plan for natural disasters and other emergencies. These include sample policies, best practices and business assessment and planning tools that have been shared with the NAA Community by other NAA members and public agencies such as FEMA, the American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Wildfire Resources
Ready.gov Guidance on Wildfires
Health and Biohazard Preparedness
NAA Novel Coronavirus Guidance (COVID-19)
The outbreak and subsequent spread of coronavirus 2019 in China (COVID-19) represents a potential threat to the U.S. rental housing market.
It is important to recognize that NAA, its affiliates and individual members are not health care professionals, although we are often looked to as a source of information. The document above is meant to assist you in both monitoring the spread of the disease and answering any questions. This information is subject to change. If you are involved in a COVID-19 case with a resident, please contact NAA to apprise us so that we may provide further guidance as well as keep track of any developments in the rental housing industry.
Specific Weather-Related Documents
Hurricanes
Hurricanes Helene and Milton Resources and Links:
- Hurricane Relief: NAA American Red Cross Donation Link
- Florida
- The Florida Apartment Association Hurricane Preparedness Resources
- The Bay Area Apartment Association Emergency Management
- Georgia
- The Georgia Apartment Association Hurricane Helene Resources
- North Carolina
- The Apartment Association of North Carolina has developed the Hurricane Helene Resources webpage and they are in contact with the affiliates in the impacted areas.
- The Apartment Association of Western North Carolina Hurricane Helene: Rehousing Needs in Western North Carolina.
- South Carolina
- The Upper State Apartment Association has posted Hurricane Helene Resources
- Tennessee (Upper East)
- 423Strong - Hurricane Helene resources site for Upper East Tennessee
- Federal Resources are being coordinated through FEMA at Hurricane Helene
General Hurricane-Related Links:
- FEMA Hurricane Planning and Response
- How to Apply for Disaster Assistance
- The National Flood Insurance Program
- HUD Disaster Resources
- Disaster Impact and Unmet Needs Assessment Kit
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Guidance on Temporary Relief from Tax Requirements
The below documents contain hurricane preparation tips from NAA members, including the Bay Area Apartment Association and Regatta Apartment Homes. The Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans has also shared a document containing everything they learned after Hurricane Katrina, including information to give residents, insurance tips and generic forms. This guide is also attached here.
- Post-Katrina Hurricane Guide from Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans
- Hurricane Tips from the Bay Area Apartment Association
- 10 Things to Do When Dealing With a Hurricane
Winter Storms & Thunderstorms
The attached document was shared with the original NAA Community Site by Clio Barker with Associated Management Company in Dearborn, Mich. and includes tips for roof snow removal and ground snow removal.
This Thunderstorm Safety Checklist is from the American Red Cross, and contains information about thunderstorm warnings, a thunderstorm watch, and things to do before, during and after a thunderstorm.
Tornado Safety
These documents, from American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Commerce (in partnership with NOAA and the National Weather Service) include safety tips for tornadoes--before, during and after.
Landscaping
Apartment owners and operators are urged to consider potential hazards on their grounds and develop strategies for keeping buildings and landscaping safe. In the event of a natural disaster, a structured response plan can stabalize the community and prevent property damage, resident injuries and building closures.
For more, read the full article that originally appeared in the July 2013 issue of UNITS Magazine:
General Disaster Planning
Emergency Planning for Businesses
The below files are from FEMA, and are tools to help you assess your business plan for an emergency or natural disaster, including a Business Emergency Response Plan, Business Impact Analysis, Business Plan Brochure and Business Risk Assessment. Additional information and tools to prepare your business for an emergency are available at FEMA's website.
- Business Emergency Response Plan (FEMA)
- Business Impact Analysis (FEMA)
- Business Plan Brochure (FEMA)
- Business Risk Assessment (FEMA)
- Planning to Control Emergency Costs (units Magazine, January 2013)
The following tip sheets are from FEMA, and include a three-step emergency preparation plan for people with disabilities. These forms might be beneficial for property managers of adult housing, or residents who might have disabilities. The tip sheet is posted in both English and Spanish.
- Preparedness Information for People With Disabilities (FEMA--English)
- Preparedness Information for People With Disabilities (FEMA--Spanish)
The attached brochure contains a specialized outline for emergency planning for older adults, who might have different needs than the rest of the population. This brochure is from FEMA, and may be beneficial to owners and property managers of adult housing.
Disaster Recovery
The below files include a collection of previous units Magazine articles covering disaster recovery after the Joplin tornadoes and Superstorm Sandy. A long-term recovery manual is also posted, courtesy of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.