CAI Partners with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross to prepare Community Associations for Emergencies

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide coordinated effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, communities and schools. National Preparedness Month 2005 is being co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross.

During September, CAI urges all members to take some simple steps to become better prepared for emergencies including:

• Get a Kit—Get a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your communities to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens. Go to www.ready.gov and www.redcross.org/preparedness for a complete list of recommended supplies.
• Make a Plan—Plan in advance what you and your community will do in an emergency. Go to www.ready.gov and www.redcross.org/preparedness for more information and templates to help get you started.
• Be Informed—Learn more about different threats that could affect your community and appropriate responses to them. Go to www.ready.gov and www.redcross.org/preparedness for more information about natural disasters and potential terrorist threats.
• Get Involved—After preparing yourself and your communities for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing the community at large. Visit www.citizencorps.gov or www.redcross.org/preparedness to find out about training and volunteer opportunities through your local Citizen Corps Council or American Red Cross Chapter

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAI President Urges Flexibility in Katrina Aftermath

For people directly affected by Katrina, the hurricane and its aftermath are a call to action on a scale seldom seen in American history. Rarely before have so many Americans needed so much.

And rarely before have Americans responded in such overwhelming measure. That response includes tens of thousands of Americans who are opening their homes to the victims of Katrina—and not just to family and friends. They are providing the security and comforts of their homes to complete strangers. Many more will do so in the coming weeks and months. We applaud these selfless acts of generosity and compassion.

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Community Associations Institute (CAI) President Sandra K. Denton (CMCA, LSM, PCAM) issues the following statement encouraging community associations to work with residents who want to host those who have lost their homes to Katrina:

"We recognize that the governing documents that guide many community associations may be seen by some as obstacles to providing long-term shelter to the victims of this tragedy. These documents, developed to protect the best interests of the community as a whole, do not account for a disaster leaving up to a million of our fellow citizens with little more than the clothes on their backs.

"We urge community and condominium associations to be as flexible as possible in these unprecedented circumstances.

"We encourage homeowners interested in hosting to talk to their governing boards, so issues can be addressed in a spirit of cooperation. This arrangement, especially where it involves numerous homeowners in an individual association, can raise concerns relating to insurance, adherence to rules (such as parking and pets) and the use of services and facilities.

"Homeowners elected by their neighbors to serve on community association governing boards are obligated to preserve the nature of their communities, ensure the financial integrity of the association and meet the collective expectations of all residents. While issues may need to be addressed, we do not believe there is an inherent conflict between fulfilling these responsibilities and providing shelter to those in need.

"In times of crisis, people need to be flexible and reasonable.

"CAI places great value on the importance of building a true sense of community in homeowner and condominium associations. People who open their homes to the victims of Katrina are building community on a national scale. We urge community association leaders to work with residents who want to help in this gracious way."

CAI is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations. The organization, which includes 55 regional, state and local chapters, represents professional community managers, community association volunteer leaders (homeowners), management companies, and businesses and professionals who serve these communities.

More than 54 million Americans live in an estimated 270,000 homeowner and condominium associations, cooperatives and other planned communities.

For members and general inquiries, contact the CAI Direct customer service team:

Community Associations Institute

225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 300

Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 703-548-8600

Fax: 703-684-1581

Email:

MEDIA CONTACT: Frank Rathbun

Phone: 703-548-8600, ext. 261

Fax: 703-684-1581

Email: