Help Your Association Navigate Summer Hazards

Summer in an HOA can be a great time of year, but it also comes with potential hazards that board members and homeowners should be aware of. With more people outside enjoying the weather and time off, there are more opportunities for accidents and injuries to occur. This blog post will discuss some of the HOA summer hazards that board members should be aware of and that should be taken into consideration when living in an HOA community. From summer safety tips to preventative measures, we’ll provide helpful guidance on how to protect yourself and your community from potential harm and have a safe, enjoyable summer.

Beware the Sun and Rising Temperatures

Rising temperatures in the summer can create dangerous conditions for your community if precautions are not taken. For instance, the sun’s intense rays can lead to sunburn and other skin problems if homeowners forget to apply sunscreen or spend too much time outside. Additionally, the heat of the sun can also lead to dehydration if residents don’t drink enough water. It’s crucial to remind homeowners how to stay safe in the summer heat.

Pets and children can also be at risk of burns from hot pavement, so be sure to encourage homeowners to keep them from walking or playing on pavement that has been exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, air quality can be affected when temperatures rise, leading to poor air quality which can be dangerous for your residents with respiratory conditions.

Reminding homeowners to take simple precautions like wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding hot pavement can go a long way toward ensuring a safer summer.

When Weather Strikes: Planning for Disaster

Along with the fun in the sun that summer offers, this season may also bring fire, tornadoes, hurricanes or other severe storms, and floods. When it comes to planning for disaster, HOAs should strive to mitigate risks and minimize the impact on residents, finances, and overall well-being. Be sure to:

• Establish a plan that includes emergency protocols for extreme weather events and identify the steps that need to be taken to protect the community, such as evacuation plans, emergency contact information, and safety procedures.
• Prioritize communication by designating a community point of contact and providing consistent information to homeowners.
• Keep records and photographs of the property and other important documents, which should be stored in a safe and secure place and updated regularly.
• Obtain adequate insurance coverage. In addition to general liability and property insurance, you should also look into getting special coverage, such as flood insurance if your HOA is located in an area prone to flooding. Working with your management company, legal counsel, and insurance carrier can help you determine the insurance that is best for your association.
• Maintain adequate reserves to ensure any major repairs and replacements caused by disaster-related incidents won’t devastate your HOA’s finances. Conduct and consult the reserve study to determine the health and trajectory of your reserve fund.
• Perform regular community maintenance, such as clearing pipes or drainage or trimming trees to minimize the impact of inclement weather where possible.

Taking Precautions with Water and Pools

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and all the warm weather activities, but HOAs must take proactive steps to ensure their members are safe and protected, especially when it comes to water-related hazards.

Water is one of the most common hazards during the summer months. While pools should be the main focus of attention, other sources of water should not be overlooked. Ponds, fountains, and sprinkler systems can all be potential risks if not properly secured. Make sure to check all fences and gates around your pool regularly in order to ensure that children and pets are not able to access the water without adult supervision.

Standing water should also be a major concern, as it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure to check all areas of your community for any stagnant water and take appropriate measures to prevent the accumulation of water. Additionally, be aware of the temperature of the pool water, as children, especially younger ones, can overheat if they spend too much time in the pool.

Finally, be sure to educate residents in your neighborhood association about the dangers of water and how to stay safe. Make sure they understand the importance of not diving into shallow water, as this can lead to serious injury. For additional pool safety reminders, check out this article.

Summertime Fun: Grilling and Fireworks

To ensure everyone’s safety, it’s important to follow some simple safety precautions when using grills and fireworks. Inform homeowners about the risks involved with both of these items as well as any local ordinances or HOA rules associated with them. Below are a few tips to share with your community:

When using a grill, always make sure to use it in an open area away from any buildings or combustible materials. Never leave a grill unattended while it is in use, and make sure it is completely cooled before attempting to move it.

When it comes to fireworks, it is important to never allow children to handle them. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and make sure to use them in a wide-open area away from buildings, cars, dry grass or other flammable materials. Always follow all safety instructions provided with the fireworks. Additionally, comply with any local ordinances associated with firework use.

Neighborhood Maintenance and Security During Vacation Season

HOAs need to take proactive steps to increase safety and security to minimize the potential for damage or theft. Here are a few tips that homeowners associations should consider to ensure the safety of residents and their property.

First, regular security checks should be scheduled to ensure that all locks on the grounds, common areas, and access points are secure and functioning properly. Security cameras should also be checked and updated to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Second, HOAs should encourage their residents to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior to the proper authorities. Residents should also be reminded to keep their homes secure by locking doors and windows and keeping their belongings safe.

Third, depending on the size of the HOA and the time of year, it may be beneficial to hire a security guard to patrol the grounds. This is especially important during peak vacation times when residents are away from their homes.

For more information about mitigating safety and property risks, try out our risk management course.

Summer Safety Tips to Protect Your Pets

To ensure the safety of the pets in your community, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid any potential risks. Remind homeowners of the following pet safety tips:

• Keep your pet on a leash when outdoors. This will ensure that they don’t wander off and get lost or injured.
• Clean up after pets in common areas, such as walkways and parks, to prevent the spread of disease.
• Keep pets away from areas where there may be hazardous materials, such as pesticides and herbicides.
• Make sure to provide plenty of water and shade for pets that are outdoors, as they can easily become dehydrated and overheated.
• Check your pet for ticks and fleas regularly. These pests can be especially prevalent in the summer months.
• Take your pet to the vet for regular checkups to ensure that they are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations so that they can enjoy the summer outdoors as well.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your neighborhood avoids these common HOA summer hazards. By following these simple steps, you can keep your community safe and happy this summer.

To learn more about handling disasters, see our article on proactive planning for disaster management.

Looking for more seasonal tips? Check out our Smart HOA Holiday Planning Guide.

Also, don’t forget to consult our comprehensive Knowledge Base for answers to your HOA questions. Not finding the answer you need? Ask an HOA Expert!