Multi-Housing News - September 2009 - (Page 42)

perspective The Pandemic Flu: Are You Ready? By Jeanne McGlynn Delgado, National Multi Housing Council On June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 virus (also known as the swine flu) a global influenza pandemic. This was the first such declaration in more than 40 years. While pandemic refers to the geographic spread of a virus, rather than its severity, government officials warn against complacency as the virus is expected to continue to spread. Business owners must remain diligent in their efforts to prepare for a more severe outbreak in the coming months. Such a situation can stress the resources of every state simultaneously, reinforcing the need for a plan that anticipates a degree of self-reliance. Apartment firms must consider not only corporate preparedness, but also the operation of their communities and protection of apartment residents. Most apartment firms have an emergency preparedness plan in place and have expanded it to address a flu pandemic. However, some firms are still struggling with plan development. NMHC is strongly urging companies to review their existing plans (or develop one if they do not yet have one) and to adapt them to accommodate a possibly more severe flu outbreak. As in any corporate policy involving risk management, NMHC encourages you to seek expert consultation in developing your own plan which should take a number of points into consideration. Management Buy-In: Firms should start by creating a “Crisis Team,” comprised of senior executives charged with developing the plan. Since the impacts of a pandemic flu can vary significantly, team members should include personnel from the corporate suite, risk management, human resources, legal, information technology and operations. Communications: Accurate, timely and regular communication with employees, residents, suppliers and even the media are critical. Make sure you have all available contact information for your staff, residents and suppliers, and develop alternative ways to disseminate information (corporate Web sites, hotlines) in case telecommunications are disrupted. Also be sure to appoint spokespersons. The most common communications will concern pandemic prevention practices, changes in office policies and resident communications. Certain resident policies will need to be adjusted, such as transitioning to an emergency-only maintenance policy. Infection Control: This is clearly the most important and ongoing component of any plan. Everyone is now familiar with the “common sense” approach to infection control—practicing proper cough etiquette, washing your hands frequently and staying home if you are sick. Once beyond the early stage, enhanced measures may be required, such as sanitizing work areas, public places and commonly touched elements, as well as placing hand sanitizers in common areas and fitness centers. Human Resources: Experts predict that a severe flu outbreak could cause absenteeism, due to infection, fear of infection and caring for family members, to soar to 40 percent during peak weeks. Develop a leave policy that includes telecommuting, staggered schedules and liberal leave. Establish a protocol for employee/supervisor communication, cross-train your staff in case of long-term absences and test telecommuting plans to ensure they work. Services and Supplies: With the loss of staff and on-site personnel, most companies will have to curtail their services. It may be necessary to implement online-only leasing and online rent payment or drop boxes. Service calls, trash collection, security, maintenance and move-in/move-out will require another look in a severe outbreak. And fitness centers, pools and community rooms may need to be closed. Also, stockpile supplies now. There were reports of back-ordered N95 masks during the most recent outbreak. Service Provider Disruption: Anticipate high absenteeism at your suppliers and service providers that might create disruptions in trash removal, utilities, transportation and Internet access. Seek alternative service providers and outsource options for IT. Secure generators for power outages. Consider allowing employees to stay in model units. Legal Liability: A pandemic flu raises a host of legal issues that must be analyzed in advance to reduce company liability. Consider liability sources such as resident illness, employee exposure to sick residents, evictions and employee leave scenarios. Also consider how much risk you want to assume. Do you direct residents to third-party sources for information on the virus rather than being the source of information; do you advise residents on how to secure protective supplies instead of distributing them yourself? Recovery: Disaster planning also means considering what happens after the event. The human and financial impact on a company and its property operations can be devastating if the recovery process is not included in your overall plan. Experts recommend companies evaluate their insurance coverage, revisit Human Resources policies, identify any need for Employee Assistance Programs or counseling, and evaluate reopening common areas and services. Pay special attention to the availability of government aid. Finally, evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and modify as needed. It is unknown whether one or more “waves” of activity will re-emerge. However, to proceed without a plan is a risk your company should not take. Apartment firms must remain vigilant and finetune their plans, practice them and be ready to adjust to unanticipated events. MHN Jeanne McGlynn Delgado is vice president of business and risk management policy, National Multi Housing Council in Washington, D.C. MHN ONLINE Are bed bugs moving into apartments? Get the story at www.multi-housingnews.com/BedBugs 42 September 2009 | Multi-Housing News http://www.multi-housingnews.com/BedBugs

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - September 2009

Multi-Housing News - September 2009
Contents
From the Editor
Letters to the Editor
Executive Insight: Jack Kern
Market Pulse
Conversation with Shaun Donovan
Property Management
Global Market Report
Development & Design: Low-Rise
Directory: Top Architects
Kitchen & Bath: Cabinets
Products: Leasing Tools
Technology: Lead Management
NMHC Notebook

Multi-Housing News - September 2009