September is National Preparedness Month and is a time for your building to focus on planning, with the goal of helping your tenants understand options in an emergency. Considering recent weather and the major hurricanes currently impacting the east coast, it’s important for everyone to be prepared.
Having a backup commute plan works at both the business and the personal level; no matter your location during an emergency, it’s important to have options. As a property manager, it’s even more important that building tenants know their options. See below for top recommendations this month.
Invite ATP to Your Event
Extend an invitation for Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) to come to your property to help educate tenants on emergency transportation options. We recommend lobby events, but ATP is flexible to cater to your building’s needs.
Download the Toolkit
ATP’s Emergency Preparedness Toolkit is filled with ideas, resources and information to help everyone feel prepared. The information inside is designed to help property managers and employers help tenants and employees plan and practice before an emergency happens. We have even included a worksheet for individuals to identify and write out their emergency commute options.
Alerts and paper resources
Additionally, as an Arlington property and business, encourage tenants and employees to sign up for Arlington Alerts. Check out page 7 of the toolkit for a trusted list of Twitter resources – crowdsourced information may be the best or only option. But don’t forget the power of a paper brochure – while most days information can be pulled from our phones, service may be restricted during an emergency. Printed brochures and customized quick glances with nearby transit options are extremely useful.
Practice Your Commute
One of the most important parts of emergency preparedness is to practice – everything from your commute to your evacuation plan. It’s one thing to have an idea, it’s another to know your plan under stress.
Car Free Day is coming up on September 22, and it's a great opportunity to test another mode.
Be Prepared for After
We spend a lot of time talking about preparedness before an event, but what about after? The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) discussion boards have lit up in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma with employers impacted by business continuity decisions. From implementing informal flex time opportunities to providing additional emergency relief benefits (i.e. gas cards, hotels), employees and tenants are attempting to find the best way to work.
Just as important as an emergency commute home plan, an alternate commute to work is equally crucial. If your property or tenants need help – Arlington Transportation Partners is available to help.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners
