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Condos, Apartments Need Protection, Too

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 1, 2008

If you live in an apartment or condominium, chances are you will be on your own to protect your property.

Check with your apartment's or condo's management to find out whether it puts up shutters or lays down sandbags. If it doesn't, find out whether you can.

If your condo association says you can't hang shutters, seek legal advice because such a rule may be beyond the association's purview.

Here are tips for apartment and condominium dwellers:

• If you live in an apartment, buy renters insurance. If you live in a condo, get homeowners insurance. At the outset of the hurricane season, take digital images or video of your dwelling and its contents for a possible insurance claim.

• Move your balcony furniture indoors when a storm threatens or before you leave your apartment or condominium if you'll be gone during hurricane season.

• Winds are stronger at higher elevations. If you're not in an evacuation area and plan to remain in your building, consider staying with someone on a lower floor.

• Stay in an interior room without windows. Bathrooms and closets are good bets. Interior halls and stairwells may be good options, too.

• Know the route to the nearest exit stairs.

• If the government orders you to evacuate, go.

• If you evacuate, keep a binder with your important information: credit card numbers, insurance cards, mortgage information, identification, financial information and driver's license number.

• If you leave behind a pet, be aware you may not be able to get back in when you want. If there's damage to the building, for instance, you'll have to wait for emergency officials to clear it for re-entry.

• Put your valuables in the safest part of your home. Take them with you if you leave.

Sources: Bay Area Apartment Association, Hillsborough County Emergency Management

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