Flooding Risk: Emergency Plan for HOA Members
Due to the projected path of Hurricane Irene community association members should begin making preparations. One of the major effects of a hurricane on communities in our region is flood damage. 
For members of homeowners associations (HOA) and community associations in the Mid Atlantic Region, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster. Just one inch of water in your home or office can cost thousands of dollars in cleanup and replacement costs, including drywall, baseboards, floor coverings and furniture.
There are things you can do to prepare your home and family now for flash floods:
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Make a family emergency plan. Emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Write down your plan. Decide ahead of time where you will go if you have to leave and where family members will meet up. Identify an out-of-town emergency contact.
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Get supplies for an emergency kit. Start with three days’ water and three days’ packaged and canned food. Add a battery-powered radio and extra batteries. Store in waterproof containers with wheels or that you can lift so you can take them with you.
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Stay informed about what could happen. During storm season, listen to local media for up-to-date reports on weather watches and warnings. Keep a battery-powered portable radio—with a NOAA weather band—handy in case the power goes out. Choose one.
Learn more about preparedness at http://www.ready.gov/index.html