By Pam Nicholls, GSAC Board Member
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Over three quarters of managers of GSAC member properties up and down Gulf Shore Boulevard and Park Shore responded to our survey on damage and response to hurricanes Helene and Milton. The overwhelming majority affirmed that action was being taken by their associations to invest in new, comprehensive flood protection in time for the start of this summer’s hurricane season.

While 45% of respondents generally suffered less than $50,000 in damage from Helene with over 90% reporting landscaping as the major liability, the scale of Milton’s destruction was more widespread. Managers were split equally with 27% reporting damages of $50,000 or less and 27% reporting costs of restoration closer to $200,000 or more.

Landscaping was again the greatest casualty with Milton; 92.50% reporting losses, while garages and pools were closely followed by elevators, in terms of items needing restoration.

Half of respondents reported that sandbags featured as their first line of defense. Some employed sandbags in tandem with other preventative measures, like tarp or plastic coverings and flood tape. One noted that sandbags and flood tape “saved our electrical room” and another said “tarped and sand bagged exterior doors held 4ft of water out while only 6 to 8 inches got in.”

Of those who had deployed flood panels, the majority found them highly effective. “Everywhere the flood panels were installed they worked one hundred per cent,” enthused one manager. “We followed and trained off the shop drawings provided. The locations of the panels took a direct hit and worked.” Others noted that water crept in, through other means, like drains or cracks in elevator pit walls no matter how well they prepared

Managers and condo representatives were unanimous in their desire to participate in a sharing of information meeting. GSAC is currently trying to arrange that and is looking at dates and availability of vendors and other experts.

If you would like a full summary of the results please email Cyndee Wooley at cyndee@c2-com.com.