Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/704472
12 S C T / A U G U S T 2 0 1 6 T H E C O M M O N A R E A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Having a severe-weather emergency policy not only saves lives and property, it also keeps insurance costs down — and helps burnish a shopping center's reputation in the commu- nity, landlords say. Property owner Simon, for one, had its entire shopping center portfolio of some 200 properties officially designated under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- tion's StormReady program. The National Weather Service launched the voluntary StormReady program in 1999 to encourage communities and businesses to set up disaster plans in preparation for tor- nados, hurricanes and similar weather events. The program, which spells out preparedness guidelines, is in place at some 2,300 counties and localities, shopping centers, stadiums, museums and other places. "Our malls play key roles in their surrounding communi- ties, and the safety and secu- rity of area residents and visi- tors is of utmost importance," said Tim Earnest, Simon's executive vice president of mall management. "Leading by example, our hope is that other organizations that serve as community gathering places will follow suit." To be deemed StormReady, a property must establish a 24-hour emergency-operations center; have more than one way to receive severe-weather warnings and alert the public; create a system that monitors weather conditions locally; promote the importance of public readiness through com- munity seminars; and develop a formal hazardous-weather plan, which includes training for severe-weather spotters and sponsoring drills. A local board reviews the property's application and then performs a site visit to verify the prop- erty's conditions. The certification is good for three years. StormReady-certified properties receive signage they can display at their facilities, as well as ceremonial recognition from their local National Weather Service office. For additional program infor- mation, please visit www.storm- ready.noaa.gov. S C T How to storm-proof a center DISASTER PREP 101 Establish a 24-hour warning point with multiple methods for receiving and relaying National Weather Service warnings Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, train spotters and run drills Establish system for monitoring local weather conditions Promote the importance of public readi- ness for weather events through semi- nars and educational events Maintain strong ties to the local National Weather Service office