Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - September 2026

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S 13 COMMUNITY WHAT PALM BEACH COUNTY HOA AND POA BOARDS SHOULD DO BEFORE THE NEXT STORM Is Your Community Really Hurricane Ready? T he worst time for an HOA or POA board to learn what its insurance policy requires is the morning after a hurricane. In Palm Beach County, hurricane preparation is part of life. Community associations routinely prepare by reviewing emergency plans, trimming trees, checking generators, securing common areas, and communicating with residents. But there is another side of hurricane preparedness that deserves just as much attention: preparing your association to document, respond to, and recover from property damage. For an HOA or POA board, being hurricane ready should begin long before a storm appears on the forecast. KNOW THE CONDITION OF YOUR PROPERTY One of the most valuable things an association can do is establish a clear record of its buildings and common property before a storm. Current photographs, roof inspection reports, maintenance records, repair invoices, and other documentation can help establish the pre-storm condition of the property. This can become extremely important when questions arise later about whether damage resulted from a hurricane, normal deterioration, or a pre-existing condition. For roofing systems in particular, boards should understand the age, condition, maintenance history, and known deficiencies of each roof before hurricane season. UNDERSTAND YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE Board members do not need to become insurance professionals, but they should have a working understanding of the association's property insurance. What is the hurricane deductible—and what does that percentage represent in actual dollars? What property is insured? Are there important exclusions or coverage limitations? What responsibilities belong to the association versus individual property owners? These questions are much easier to address before a loss than during the confusion following a major storm. Boards should consider reviewing coverage with their licensed insurance professional and making sure key documents and contact information are easily accessible following an emergency. HAVE A POST-STORM PLAN BEFORE THE STORM After a hurricane, decisions often need to be made quickly. Who is authorized to inspect the property? Who can approve emergency repairs? How will damage be photographed and documented? Which contractors and professionals will be contacted? Who will communicate with residents? Establishing those responsibilities in advance can reduce confusion and help the board maintain control of the recovery process. Boards should also use caution when authorizing emergency work. Following a major storm, communities may be approached by numerous contractors and vendors. Understand the scope of work, pricing, and contractual obligations before signing whenever circumstances allow. DOCUMENTATION MATTERS If damage occurs, preserve the story of the loss. Photographs, videos, inspection reports, correspondence, invoices, moisture readings, damaged materials when appropriate, and a timeline of events can all help document what happened. Emergency mitigation should not be unnecessarily delayed, but the condition of the property should be thoroughly documented before damaged areas are altered whenever safely possible. PREPARED COMMUNITIES RECOVER BETTER Hurricane readiness isn't simply about shutters, generators, landscaping, and emergency supplies. It is also about protecting the association's property and putting the board in a position to make informed decisions after a loss. A hurricane may be unavoidable. Being unprepared for what happens afterward isn't. – By John Carr, Roofing & Restoration of Florida – To schedule your free consultation, email John Carr at john@rroffl.com . Whether you need an emergency response, a professional damage assessment, or guidance on the next steps after a loss, Roofing & Restoration of Florida is committed to providing knowledgeable, honest, and professional service every step of the way.