HUD Provides Multifamily Disaster Preparedness Plan Template

Jessica Mansfield Uncategorized

On October 18, 2023, HUD provided a Multifamily Disaster Preparedness Plan Template as a resource to help HUD-assisted Multifamily Owners and PHAs produce property specific plan(s) to protect resident life and safety during a disaster. Drawing upon best practices for disaster and evacuation planning, this template provides resources for users to learn more while considering their property’s needs.

HUD designed the template to guide users through the process of gathering relevant information and resident input, drafting a plan, and educating both staff and residents about the plan. Multifamily owners and PHAs will be prompted to consider the specific climate hazards faced by the property, as well as resident needs. Worksheets for an evacuation plan that incorporates safe egress route(s), evacuating residents with special needs, and clear communication of the evacuation plan and safety resources for all residents are included in the plan template.

The tool is organized under four essential elements to disaster planning:

  1. Background, Staffing, and Coordination
  2. Resident Protection and Safety
  3. Building Protection
  4. Business Continuity

Who Should Use the Multifamily Disaster Plan Template?

HUD-assisted Multifamily Owners, including PHAs, in collaboration with staff and residents. Note: While some HUD Multifamily-assistance programs require owners to have a disaster preparedness plan, it is a best practice for ALL Multifamily properties to have a plan for disasters.

View the Multifamily Disaster Preparedness Plan Template Here