As a landlord or property manager, you have an often little-known responsibility to allow people to take refuge in your property if hazardous material is released or threatened to be released in your area. In the case of landlords, it is important that your employees, tenants, and visitors who are on the property if the shelter in place rule takes effect, understand the requirements of the sheltering in place command. According to Nolo there are several steps landlords need to follow to comply with if a shelter in place order is communicated by TV, radio or the internet.
Ask visitors to stay: Individuals, who are visiting your property when a shelter in place command is given such as vendors, need to be asked to stay in your rental and taken to a safe place. In addition, if they would like to leave your rental let them know about the dangers they may face if they do not stay.
Collect Disaster Supplies: Ready.gov has a list of essential emergency supplies which includes a first aid kit and battery or crank powered radio. If you find that you do not have these supplies ensure to purchase them right away.
Lock Yourself In a safe place: Find a room with minimal ventilation and seal off any windows and put a wet towel on the bottom of the door. These steps can keep outside contaminants from entering the room you’re located in.
Usually a shelter in place order will last less than a few hours. You should listen to the radio or television to find out further instructions if a shelter in place command goes out. Make sure you have some sort of training with your employees about shelter in place rules. Save all relevant information in your property management software about your rental building’s plan if a shelter in place command in given.
This post is provided by RISSOFT Residential and Commercial Property Management Software, specializing in innovative and cutting-edge property management software for all 50 states. Request a demo or contact us today to receive more information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.