Hurricane Preparedness 

The Harbor Pointe Board of Directors and its Hurricane Preparedness Committee have provided the following guidelines to assist you in preparing for the annual storm and hurricane season. 

In the event of a hurricane, it may not be possible to contact Harbor Pointe by telephone to obtain a property damage update. However, special notices will be posted on the front page of the Association website at www.harborpointeFL.com. This will describe the status of the storm and contain pertinent notes on general damage. 

Staff will not be available to answer specific questions or carry out tasks for individual condominium units, so it is important that you properly secure your unit for storm events prior to leaving for the season. The following information is not meant to be a complete storm/hurricane preparedness guide for you; it only relates to certain issues at our condominium. 

You can obtain booklets on how to prepare for hurricanes from, among other places, CVS Pharmacies and the Publix grocery store.

The following links may also be helpful:

• National Hurricane Center – NHC.NOAA.Gov
• Florida Disaster – Florida Division of Emergency Management – FloridaDisaster.Org
• Brevard County Emergency Management – BrevardCounty.US/EmergencyManagement/Home
• The City of Titusville; Departments; Emergency Management – Titusville.com
• WESH2; Hurricanes; Action Plans – wesh.com/weather/hurricanes
• Weather Channel; Tropical Storms and Hurricanes – Weather.com
• NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce – NOAA.gov
• FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA.gov
• American Red Cross – RedCross.org

Annual Preparedness Review

To be performed by the Property Manager and Board of Directors (as noted):

1. Ensure that clear and concise instructions are posted near the Emergency Generator control panel on how to reset or otherwise control the Emergency Generator system (PM).
2. Update and keep current the Storm Preparedness Information on the condominium website (BOD).
3. Conduct training orientation for all new Directors and other involved persons as to all emergency procedures, including operation of the Emergency Generator, water shut-off valves, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler system, pool pumps, and main electrical system controls and switches (PM).
4. Develop and maintain check lists for securing the complex from potential flying debris, shutting down the pool systems, and securing all facilities (PM).
5. Review the Harbor Pointe Hurricane/Storm Preparedness Plan of Action annually for appropriate revisions (BOD & PM).
6. Establish a master contact list of board members, management personnel, and service vendors that can be used for storm preparation and mitigation. This list should be concise with name of vendor contacts and phone numbers (PM).

Closing Your Unit for the Summer & Storm Preparation In Your Absence

Each summer, there are many intense storms which threaten Titusville. Often, there is only a small window of time during which our Property Manager and the Board of Directors members in-residence have the opportunity to prepare common areas and their own property for a storm and to evacuate, if necessary. It is important that those of you who plan to be away for the summer, complete items 1 thru 4 below before your departure.

1. Remove all furniture and objects from exposed balconies that do not have a storm shutter.
2. Close your hurricane shutters making sure they are all the way down into their locking condition to achieve the maximum strength of the shutter.
3. Turn off main hot and cold-water valves to your unit.
4. Arrange for a caretaker (a neighbor, friend, family member, or maintenance service) to have access to and regularly inspect your condominium, especially following the occurrence of a major storm or hurricane.

In addition to items 1 thru 4, the Board of Directors highly recommends residents also complete items 5 thru 17 before they leave their condominium for the summer.

5. Provide the Administration Office with contact information including telephone numbers, e-mail address, cell phone numbers, and location. Note: That twenty-four hours prior to any major tropical storm or hurricane, the office telephone will be left to receive messages only and will not be answered prior to or immediately following the event.
6. Vehicles left in the parking lot should be parked in the south visitor’s lot away from the front of buildings allowing the convenient spaces to be use by year-round residents.
7. Make sure that the Property Manager has keys to your front door (and screen door).
8. Wedge towels in the tracks of your (exposed) sliding glass windows/doors. This will minimize wind-driven water coming in under the door.
9. Use “Bactivate” solution in all drains; 8 ounces per drain and then 8 ounces of hot water. Do not use the sink after treatment.
10. Cover all toilets with plastic wrap to contain sewer gases.
11. Remove all perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer and turn off ice-maker. Throw these food items away! You’ll be glad you did if the electricity is off for any significant period of time.
12. Verify that your Homeowners’ insurance policy provides the coverage you need.
13. Make a fresh back-up of important personal data in your computer.
14. Unplug, or turn off at the breaker, your computer(s), TVs and other electrical appliances before you leave. This type of equipment can be permanently damaged by unstable voltage.
15. Have your air conditioner inspected and make sure that the drain line is cleaned out with bleach and that the filters are changed. Leave the A/C set at less than 80 degrees.
16. Owners should video/photograph units prior to leaving for use in case of damage. Also take a copy of your insurance policies with you.
17. Lock all doors and windows.
18. The Board will post updates to the www.harborpointeFL.com homepage to keep residents and non-resident owners informed about damage to the complex and will send out e-mail updates. These updates may be somewhat delayed, however, due to numerous tasks required to secure the condominium common elements.

Storm Preparation Advice

For Year Round & Summer Residents

The following information is provided to aid in your planning and preparation prior to a storm/hurricane event:  

• Alarm System – The Condominium Building Fire Alarm system is powered by the emergency generator and designed to automatically connect through the telephone system for 8 hours after power is out in case of a fire. Residents must report any and all fires to 911 regardless of loss of power.
• Use of a personal generator, gas appliance or propane tank grill is prohibited in all condominium units, balcony or walkway areas. To ensure the safety of all residents, Management will report their existence on property to the Titusville Police Department immediately upon discovery. Do not bring them onto Harbor Pointe property.
• The elevators will be brought to the fifth floor and shut down when mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for our area

Federal Agencies

• FEMA Registration 1-800-621-3362;  gov
• FEMA Fraud Detection 1-800-323-8603;  gov
• National Flood Insurance 1-888-379-9531;  gov
• US Small Business Administration 1-800-827-5722;  gov
• Social Security Administration 1-866-964-6146;  gov
• Internal Revenue Service 1-800-829-1040;  gov
• Housing & Urban Development 1-800-333-4636;  gov
• Department of Veterans Affairs 1-800-827-1000; gov

State Agencies

• Florida Emergency Information 1-800-342-3557;  org
• Department of Financial Services 1-877-693-5236;  com
• Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services 1-800-435-7352;  com
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity – Reemployment Assistance Program (formerly Unemployment Compensation Program) 1-800-204-2418;org
• Florida Office of the Attorney General, Price Gouging 1-866-966-7226; com

Harbor Pointe Hurricane/Storm Preparation Plan

Your Board has put together a plan that will assist in providing for the safety and well- being of our residents and condominium complex during local hurricanes and major storm events. 

Major storm preparation support is provided by two main activity groups:

Group 1 – Property Manager, Staff and Harbor Pointe Board of Directors

Group 2 – Resident Coordinators (Hurricane Preparedness Committee members)

Group 3 – Harbor Master

The activities of both groups are divided into three time frames:

A. Pre-Storm Event (48 hours prior)

• Group 1 – Secure condominium common element infrastructure as noted in activities list.
• Group 2 – Facilitate closure of all balcony shutters and ensure that the building walkways are clear as noted in the activities list.
• Group 3 – Make sure all boats are removed from the Marina within the first 24 hours of the issuance of the 48-hour Pre-Storm Event Notice. Confirm the shut off all Marina power and water utilities with Harbor Pointe Maintenance Staff.

• Group 1 – Board of Directors stay current on storm events affecting the condominium complex and take action as appropriate.
• Group 2 – Report significant building/area events to appointed Board member coordinator via radio phone/cell phone.

Activities and Precautions

Performed By Property Manager and Staff:

1. Contact trash collection provider for additional pickup of dumpsters, as appropriate, prior to storm.
2. Secure outside furniture, plants, hoses, and other loose material or equipment inside the Club House or in one of the other buildings.
3. Make sure roof-top doors are secured. Secure sprinkler access panel doors on all buildings, as required.
4. Secure Clubhouse from potential wind and water damage: Inspect all windows and seal edges that may be vulnerable to water leaks.
5. Secure resident buildings to include installation of vent shutters (as available) and removal of outside ashtrays/waste containers.
6. Secure all trash room doors.
7. Secure Pool area: Store all pool tools, place all pool area furniture in the Club House or other facilities.
8. Secure fence “walk-through” man gates to prevent damage from wind.
9. Remove Main Entry Gate and North Exit Gate Arms to prevent wind damage and to ensure vehicle entry and exit traffic during power loss.
10. Ensure the list of Contractors and other service people who might be needed after or during the storm is up-to-date.
11. Ensure that any available information on Owners who are away is provided to the Hurricane Preparedness Committee Chairman for their use.
12. If the County orders a mandatory evacuation for our area: Bring all elevator cabs up to the 5th floor of each building and shut them down for the duration of the storm (PM or BOD, as appropriate).
13. Shut off all power and water utilities feeding the Marina 24-hours after the Harbor Pointe Property Manager issues the 48-hour Pre-Storm Event Notice.

Boat Slip Owner Responsibility

• Understand during hurricane season especially, it is the slip owner’s responsibility to maintain pre-arrangements of prompt removal of their boat from the Marina on short notice.
• Boat owners will have 24-hours to remove their vessel upon first receiving the 48-hour Pre-Storm Event Notice from the Harbor Pointe Property Manager.
• Power and water utilities will be shut off to the Marina at the end of this 24-hour period and your electric lift will no longer work.
• Keep in mind that your boat cannot be temporarily stored anywhere on property after receipt of this notice.

Post Hurricane/Storm Association Activities

Performed By The Property Manager, Staff or Board of Directors (Where Noted):

1. Thorough inspection of the Association common property when safe to do so.
2. Take photographs to document damage to Association property.
3. Prepare a prioritized list of corrective action required with emphasis on the safety of our residents and contract personnel.
4. Bring elevators back in service if not operating.
5. Reset all timers for lights and lawn sprinklers.
6. Put the pool back in operating condition.
7. Notify our insurance company of damages occurred covered by their policy and follow their recommended procedures.
8. Determine and implement a mutually agreed upon “recovery” action plan, coordinate available funding, and assign individual responsibilities.
9. Obtain Board of Directors to implement corrective actions by a special vote.
10. Contact our proven contractors and vendors for repairs.
11. Determine the cost associated with storm damage mitigation and its effect on our yearly and future budget.
12. Coordinate with the Harbor Pointe attorney, as appropriate, on actions that are being taken and inquire if actions are recommended.
13. Review the “Storm Plan” to see if additions or changes are needed as a result of the most recent storm (BOD and PM).
14. Ensure that the Association homepage at www.harborpointeFL.com  is updated with instructions and pertinent information for owners (BOD).
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