September is National Preparedness month - by Dawn Bauman

September is National Preparedness month. Led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), this annual campaign reminds everyone, including community associations and homeowners, that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families and their communities safe. FEMA’ Ready Campaign posted at www.ready.gov/stand-ready encourages individuals and communities to prepare for emergencies. 

This year’s theme, America Stands Ready, focuses on several distinct ideas that capture American pride and ability to protect families and communities and the importance of working together to recover from disasters.

Americans stand ready to uphold their patriotic duty. When individuals are prepared and self-reliant, it bolsters the work of brave first responders during a crisis.

Americans stand ready to protect family and friends. Neighbors know best how to keep loved ones safe when things go wrong.

Americans stand ready to help communities. Taking a proactive approach contributes to the nation’s resilience.

When Americans and community associations take steps to prepare for disasters, every neighborhood and community is more resilient.

Disaster Preparedness for Community Associations

The Foundation for Community Association Research published a Best Practices Report on Natural Disasters with an emphasis on disaster planning and preparedness for community associations. Every community should have a disaster plan, and this guide summarizes important elements of preparedness planning. A copy of the report can be downloaded at https://foundation.caionline.org

According to FEMA, natural disasters and severe weather have caused immense damage to communities across the U.S. this year. Wildfires and flooding in California, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arizona, Montana, Texas, New Mexico, Florida, and Nevada have caused considerable damage and upheaval in many communities.

Cleanup and rebuilding will be the primary focus for community associations affected by these disasters. There are steps community managers and boards should take now to increase the possibility of receiving assistance from FEMA for debris removal immediately following a presidentially declared emergency.

Disaster Assistance Fairness for Community Associations
CAI continues to support efforts to ensure community associations have equal access to critical federal disaster assistance following federally declared natural disasters. CAI is proud to support three key pieces of legislation to help community associations recover and rebuild after natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, snowstorms, and to protect residents and infrastructure.

Spearheaded by CAI and introduced by North Carolina lawmakers Rep. David Rouzer and Sen. Ted Budd, H.R. 834 and S.352 would make two major changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act:

Provides a mechanism for all homeowner associations to have debris removed on private roads and waterways by their local municipality through FEMA funding.

Makes essential common elements of a condominium and housing cooperative such as a roof, exterior wall, heating and cooling equipment, elevators, and utility access eligible under FEMA’s Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program.

CAI also is proud to support H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act of 2025. The bill introduced by Missouri Rep. Sam Graves contains identical language to H.R. 834 / S. 352 and would create a fair foundation of disaster assistance for community associations.

The third initiative CAI is proud to support is H.R. 9159, The Protect Our Homes Act. Introduced by Florida Rep. Darren Soto, this bill would create a new loan program for community associations’ disaster recovery and mitigation.

Urge your elected officials to cosponsor these important bills in Congress.

National Weather Service Guidance for Homeowners and Associations

The National Weather Service also issued comprehensive guidance for homeowners and associations that include these simple steps:

• Learn your risks and responses – be informed; 

• Sign up for weather and news emergency alerts;

• Follow social media platforms related to disaster updates;

• Familiarize yourself with shelter and evacuation plans in your region;

• Make your plan;

• Build a supply kit; and

• Support community peers during response periods.

Dawn Bauman, CAE is chief executive officer of the Community Associations Institute (CAI).