HURRICANE SEASON IS ALMOST HERE

By Rafael Aquino

Published May 27, 2020  

 

As South Floridians focus their attention on safely reopening, it remains essential that we also to take the necessary steps to prepare for the upcoming Hurricane Season. Even before the season opened, we had our first named storm (Arthur) hit the Atlantic. 

 

 As per NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, it is forecasting a likely range of 13 to 19 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes. 

 

This year will bring on different challenges since we'll possibly be dealing with COVID-19 and Hurricane season at the same time. However, if you haven't done so yet, you should be looking at your hurricane plan and see what adjustments you should be making because of COVID. You will need to adhere to the CDC guidelines, and you may also need to add to your purchase list items such as masks, extra cleaning supplies, and gloves. 

 

If you don't have a plan, you should get started immediately. You don't want to be caught off guard and have no idea what steps will be taken. Your plan should be broken down into a minimum of four sections, pre/in-season preparation, pre-storm, during a storm, and post-storm. Below I've highlighted some of the points you should consider within each section. 

 

Pre/in Season 

  • Volunteers 

  • Staff - Who will do what? 

  • Vendors needed pre-storm and post-storm 

  • Communication - Letter templates

  • Take Pictures/ Videos

Pre-storm (6 - 3 Days before)

  • Launch Hurricane Plan  

  • Secure Property

  • Provide resident updates 

During the Storm (3 - 1 Day before)

  • Secure all common areas 

  • Shutdown all necessary equipment.  

  • Stay Calm 

Post Storm 

  • Assess & Log Damages

  • Clear all entry and exits 

  • Contact Vendors, Public Adjuster, Residents, etc.

  • Commence Remediation 

Remember the saying “A plan is only as good as its execution” so make sure you take some time to do a hurricane simulation day, so all are on the same page.  
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As the Co-Founder and CEO of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to redefine excellence. They serve community   associations   efficiently

and effectively with dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and excitement when providing expert advice to its board members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running a community association.

 

Since 2007, Rafael has developed a work culture that values responsive and high-quality services. He has led his team by following a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each association. Today, Affinity Management Services maintains its success and benefits as a result of the foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by providing educational seminars, continuing education classes for association managers and board members alike.


Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’ associations save money and improve their communities. His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out for the best interests of his clients and communities, and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role requires coordination and communication, as such he takes logical and intelligent steps to approach challenges head-on.


As a graduate of Florida International University’s electrical engineering program and a licensed community association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip him with unique insights to tackle complex problems through critical thinking. He understands how each component within a system works together in order to effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple challenges of running a community association management company, he understands how each property is its own unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure that all their needs are met.

For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity Management Services please visit www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279

Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST

Suite 200

Doral, FL 33166

Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300

Plantation, FL 33324

O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053

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