PROPERTY DAMAGE

If property is damaged, the services the agency normally provide will need to be adjusted depending on the operations priority (see above) and the nature of the disaster. If it’s possible, an agency can establish criteria for relocation in advance of a disaster and predetermine where it might turn for assistance if it needs to relocate its operations. This will obviously be very different for a hospital or senior center than for an international nonprofit with mostly administrative offices here locally.

For nonprofits that have clients in their places of work, such as hospitals, senior care, or rehabilitation centers, a change of location is not as simple as moving to a new building. Emergency relocation will need to be a point of emphasis in that agency’s disaster planning. Partnering with other nonprofits that provide the same service may be one of the best options. Thoroughly consider the options of location and make it a point of emphasis in the planning if you house clients.

• What is the capacity or need if the nonprofit needs to relocate? What buildings, office complexes, or community partners could absorb or host your operations?

o What contingencies need to be made for client access or distribution of services?

o What other partner agencies might you rely upon if you need services? To whom can you refer clients?

• Are there other locations you could use to set up temporary office space? Can administrative/office space be separate from client services or do they need to be in the same location?

• What warehouse or storage would you need if you are going to receive donations, especially in-kind donations during a disaster?

In the event of property damage the Response Team will want to keep insurance providers, mortgage companies, property companies/landlords, and other involved agencies informed throughout the event. (See the list of vendors above). If state or federal relief aid is available, those agencies will need to be involved as well and it can take time before that aid is available. The Board and Executive and/or Response Team will want to work together to manage the business, finances, and operations including payroll while the finances to recover from the disaster event, including your agency’s insurance, becomes available. See a list of contacts at the end of this manual.