Preparing for A Storm During Supply Chain Shortages

Storms can be unpredictable by nature, and properly preparing for them can be tough. Add in supply chain shortages and it becomes downright challenging. Experts predict an active hurricane season this year, and properly preparing your community for these storms is crucial. Whether you live in a hurricane zone or tornado territory, keeping your community and residents safe from severe weather begins with proper planning.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, the supply chain has been interrupted, leading to an increase in disruption of the availability of goods, which continues to plague industries around the globe, including property management. And as the supply chain crisis continues to linger with no end in sight, proper storm preparation means considering supply shortages that you may not have had to think about before.
 
Read on for 6 things to consider to help your board prepare for these shortages and position your association for success.

1. Understand the (Lack of) Availability of Supplies

Over the last two years , skyrocketing demand for goods and services, combined with production disruptions, have created shortages in everything from construction equipment to food. Communities are seeing shortages in supplies such as plywood and paint, struggling to find enough to complete simple maintenance projects. Many of the items needed to protect a community from a storm will likely be difficult to find and will cost more than they used to.

Products reach consumers through a highly complex system of global supply chains – chains that have been interrupted due to increased consumer demand and backlogs across major production ­– that are causing numerous product delays. Inclement weather has further added to these delays affecting the production of plastics and other supplies like acrylics and latex-based items, such as paint or gloves. For example, last year, severely cold weather in Texas, where some of these products are made, caused pipes to freeze, halting production in some factories.
 

2. Create a List and Source Supplies Now – Get Ahead of the Supply Chain Crunch

Start with a comprehensive list of supplies you will need to prepare for a storm and recover from one. Items such as plastic covers, garbage bags, plywood, leaf blowers, gloves, first aid kits, battery-powered radios, paint, flashlights and even water are supplies you will want to add to your list. Stay mindful that many of these items are already in short supply, so associations should  start sourcing them now to get a head start on the search. In fact, the state of Texas has sales tax holiday on emergency preparation supplies running April 23-24, 2022.

You will have to consider that the cost of materials will be higher than usual. Because demand and inflation are at an all-time high, and supply is low, almost everything you will need is more expensive. Expect items needed for storm preparation such as tools, ladders, sandbags, lumber and other supplies to be higher than usual and budget accordingly.
 

3. Know Where to Turn When Challenged by Shortages

​​Consider all types of providers when sourcing and pricing supplies. A good management company should work with a variety of vendors to provide the communities it manages with what they need – at the best possible price. “We have great relationships and leveraging power with local vendors and national suppliers,” said Edwin Lugo, vice president at FirstService Residential. “FirstService Residential’s value engineering team helps source different suppliers for our clients to help ensure they have the supplies needed to secure their communities before a storm hits. Plus, we have long-standing relationships with a number of companies that help communities recover from a storm, such as restoration and landscaping/debris removal companies.”

Other resources to consider are medical supply houses (check current prescription drug and medical supply shortages here) and hotel supply companies. These companies list their product inventory online, making it easy to search for what you need. But Katharine Effron, vice president at FirstService Residential, warns buyers to "be careful where you order from.” Adding, “sometimes items ordered outside of the U.S. don't go through the same inspection process, and the quality may not meet expectations,” she said.
 

4. Prepare for Staffing Challenges

Ongoing labor shortages caused by the pandemic continue to plague community associations as securing and retaining qualified employees remains a constant challenge. Vendors are also likely to have worker shortages. This is something you should keep top of mind when making your storm preparations, as staffing shortages may affect your planning.
 

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For more information about recruiting, training and retaining great staff, read our guide "The Development of a Successful Property Manager".

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5. Don’t Forget Your Network of Vendors

​A community must rely on outside vendors to help them prepare and recover from a storm. Check with them early – make sure they are adequately stocked with materials and equipment. For example, if your vendor contract requires hurricane shutter installation, ask the vendor if they have the equipment needed to carry that out. If your roofing company is expected to place tarps over the roof before a storm hits, ask if they have enough of them required to do the job. If they don’t, ask about a contingency plan. Are there alternatives to keep the roof from leaking? Communicating with your vendors in advance will help you determine if you need to make additional or alternative arrangements.

“As the leading property management company in North America, we work with the top companies that provide products and services to condos and HOA communities,” said Chris Normandeau, director of Value Engineering at FirstService Residential. “From landscaping to roofing and everything in between, our job is to vet these resources to make sure they can provide what our communities need to weather a storm. And because of our position in the industry and the number of communities we manage, we are able to work with many vendors to make sure our communities get what they need as soon as possible.”
 

6. Partnerships

A good property management company has strong relationships. As a board member, you want to work with a property management company with established relationships and partnerships that will benefit you before, during, and after a storm, even when supplies aren’t limited. The right property management company will help you find the materials and resources you will need before a storm hits to keep your community safe, and will work with you to identify the right vendors you’ll need to rely on, and negotiate pricing and contracts.

 
For more information about how a professional property management company can help your community weather this storm season, contact FirstService Residential Texas.