EVACUATING YOUR HOME WHILE IT’S ON THE MARKET © 2013 by Wayne D. Lewis, Sr.

10 Things you should consider if you have to evacuate your home during a disaster

 Civil Emergency Message: Hurricane Katrina (2005) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkruQZpQ2g8
 

Along the hurricane-prone Gulf Coast, it is important to know the ins and outs regarding evacuation in preparation for a storm.  With an emphasis always on safety, homeowners are encouraged to always follow the instructions of their local authorities.  There will be many things to focus on such as food, water, children, pets, elderly, insurance papers, gassing up, etc., making sure that all of these are sufficient preparations for at least 3 days out.

Resources on Evacuation Planning and Assistive Products:
http://www.access-board.gov/evac.htm#Resources

Evacuating is no inexpensive set of activities for anyone, and doing so should not be taken lightly.  During the hurricane season, said to be between June 1 and November 31, very few things or situations come to an absolute halt, including selling our homes.  During this time period, buyers and sellers are extremely aware of the need for homeowners insurance and flood insurance, now more than ever with the Biggers-Waters Act[1] not too far in the back of their minds.  This latest act by Congress, yet to be fully implemented, will have a tremendous impact on whether buyers and sellers will be able to transfer existing policies between each other.  A very important concern indeed, but how it rates among the many decisions at hand, when it comes to evacuating, is up to each individual family.

The Katrina Video Congress Didn't Want You To See (2005)  :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epwpnMztkM0

For Real Estate Professionals who have properties on the markets, it is very important that sellers protect their homes during any major weather event.  The stakes increase significantly if and when a homeowner has to evacuate.  And if that isn’t bad enough, the stakes go wild and crazy when a home is under contract to close when lo and behold, an impending storm is headed for the Gulf Coast.  So, with a storm headed for, let’s say for example, the Greater New Orleans area, the homeowner, and the perspective buyer’s investment must be protected as best as possible against the dangers of possible tropical storm or Category 1[2] or an even greater storm.  What can or should a seller do to try to minimize damage to their property in order to keep it at or in better condition should a storm strike?  Below are 10 suggestions that could help homeowner protect their property in the event of a storm, and/or, if they have to evacuate their home while on the market.

Hurricane Katrina: Extreme Video (2005): 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s76Qn7bpCsQ

 Pre-Evacuation Steps to take to protect your home while still on the market:

1.      Remove (FOR SALE SIGNS) or any other signs that indicate your home is on the market- in the event of high winds, signs can be missiles as could any loosely secured item, causing damage to your home, or injuring an unsuspecting neighbor;

 

2.      Contact your Realtor® to let them know that you will be evacuating your home- Your Realtor is very concerned about each of their homeowners’ properties.  On your list of things to do, include your real estate representative of persons and entities that you will not be at home for a foreseeable period.  You may want to advise your real estate professional, that if you are not back by a given time, how to get in touch with you, should the need arises;

Planning for safe and effective evacuations:

http://www.fema.gov/region-iii-mitigation-division/national-hurricane-program#2 

3.      Remove any lockboxes -Lockboxes are indications that your home is possibly for sale, especially if it appears empty.  You may want to ask your agent to re-locate their lockbox to the side of the house where it is less likely to be seen by those with criminal intentions;

 Civil Emergency Message: Hurricane Gustav (2008):
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqDFvD5R5VI

4.      Remove any flyer boxes-Same as #1;

 

5.      Make sure your agent cancels any showings or Open Houses-While it is unlikely that any showings will be occurring during a storm or an impending storm, you and your agent should be proactive to ensure that any Open House activity is cancelled, and that anyone wishing to see the house during your evacuation preparation, should be advised to reschedule for a follow up visit after the storm has cleared and the house has been assessed for damages;

 

6.      Share with your neighbors that you will be evacuating- Presumably, if you are evacuating, your neighbors are evacuating as well to safety.  If one of your neighbors decides to remain behind, exchange numbers, or emails in the event that something happens and they need to contact you or vise versa about your home while you are gone;

Know your Local Emergency Evacuation Plans & Disaster Communication Plans: 

http://www.readynation.com/Connect/EvacuatingDuringaDisaster.aspx

7.      Protect windows and doors-Board up windows, sliding glass and/or French doors to minimize flying debris from breaking glass;

 

8.      Secure any furniture or potted plants (porch or patios)-Put these items in a garage, tie to a carport, or place inside your home;

 

9.      Do not entertain any requests to show your home without your Realtor-  During the times in which many of us are focused on evacuation preparation, it is possible that we maybe at our most vulnerable.  Possibly interests in your home, in the event of a looming storm is possible, but for the sake of your family, ask the interested party to contact your Realtor to schedule a showing after the storm. If they are interested, they will be back.

 

 

10.  Lock all doors and activate all alarms-Obviously, it goes without saying to lock the doors on your home, especially since you will be gone for 3 days.  But, even the most simplest things we do forget.  When putting the alarm, you should consider putting on “away”, unless a pet is going to be left behind.

Lagniappe:

11.  Obey all federal and local warnings on evacuations- No information in this post shall be considered as overriding any information or instructions from your local authorities or your listing Realtor®.  For further information, consult with your personal Realtor.

 

Hopefully, this information helps you and your Realtor to take reasonable steps to protect your home in the event you may have to evacuate.  There is no guarantee that any of the above suggestions will work.  Your circumstances may vary, but just being mindful of the many things that you, as a homeowner should be aware of, could help you protect your home in such an event.  Hopefully, you never have to use this information.

Emergency Evacuation Planning – Are You Prepared?

 http://offgridsurvival.com/emergencyevacuationplanning/

Not an intent to solicit the clients or agent of any other broker.  Information provided here, while deemed to be from reliable sources is not guaranteed.  Wherever needed, you are encouraged to seek legal advice as this is not intended to be legal advice.

 

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[1] Biggers-Waters Act- http://www.floods.org/ace-files/documentlibrary/2012_NFIP_Reform/2012_NFIP_Reform_Act_ASFPM_Summary_of_Contents.pdf

[2] Hurricane Categories- http://gohsep.la.gov/hurricanerelated/HURRICANECATEGORIES.htm