Community Action Plan Checklist TASK


 Update fire safety policies & governing docs


RESPONSIBILITY Board / Attorney


Inspect smoke detectors, sprinklers, extinguishers Management / Contractor Hold a community-wide fire drill Audit landscaping for fire safety


Host fire safety workshop with local responders Schedule full fire risk/code compliance review Review insurance coverage for fire protection





Swap flammable decking for fire- resistant materials like stone or concrete.


6. Invest in Fire-Suppression


Systems Sprinkler systems and alarms are the backbone of any effective fire response plan.


 Retrofitting high-rise condos (75+ ft) can cost $20k-$50k per unit; full-building installs range from $800k to $4M.


While costly, these systems greatly reduce property loss and may lower insurance premiums.


 Stay on top of certifications for sprinklers, pumps, and controls – delays or impairments can trigger fire watch requirements.


Partner with fire-safety pros and your insurer to weigh cost, risk, and coverage benefits.


7. Build Relationships with First Responders


 Strong connections with your local fire department go a long way.


Meet with fire marshals to understand inspection schedules and compliance needs.


 Invite them to safety fairs or training events.


Work together on evacuation plans, shared drills, and response protocols.


These relationships build trust – and ensure your community gets hands-on guidance and support.


Board / Management Maintenance Team Board / Management Certified Agency


Insurance Agent / Broker 8. Fold Fire into Your Disaster Plan


 Fire preparedness should be a core part of your community’s overall disaster planning.


 Identify fire risks and include clear evacuation procedures in your emergency protocols.


Define communication systems and evacuation points.


Use feedback from drills to improve and update the plan each year.


9. Understand Insurance & Liability


Don’t wait until after a fire to find out you’re underinsured.


Review your coverage annually.


Know what’s included for sprinkler systems, cleanup, and restoration.


 Proactive safety efforts can help control premiums and demonstrate due diligence in liability situations.


10. Keep Policies Current


Fire safety isn’t “set it and forget it.” Stay on top of:


NFPA code updates (like NFPA 72) and local amendments.


 Local legislation (e.g., Philadelphia’s high-rise sprinkler requirements – Bill 220299).


Annual reviews of policies and enforcement procedures.


Bringing It All Together Fire prevention takes more than luck or last-minute responses. The


FREQUENCY Annually 


Monthly / Quarterly Every October Quarterly Annually  Annually  Annually 


most resilient communities rely on proactive planning, consistent communication, and partnerships with the right professionals.


References ”6 HOA Fire Safety Best Practices,” Associa Blog


“Five Fire-Safety Tips Every HOA Should Follow,” HOALeader.com blog, April 2012


“Philadelphia Residents: Sign the Letter to City Council Opposing Sprinkler Retrofit Bill,” CAIKeystone.org blog, December 2022


Industry sources: NFPA, fire inspection budgeting, disaster plan integration


ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tayler Young, EBP has been a CAI educated business partner since 2023 and is involved in both the CAI Keystone and New Jersey Chapters and previously a part of CAI Gold Coast and South Florida. Tayler has spent the last 10 years of her career focused on building safety, with a focus on helping community associations and the losses they experience ranging from structural engineering to disaster restoration.


Tayler joined the RestoreCore team earlier this year to utilize her diverse background as an industry advocate. She has taught many classes for community association managers, ranging from Disaster Planning, Waiting for Help and Restoration Basics, Water and Mold, and The Intersection of Insurance Claims, Restoration & The Condo Act. Want help strengthening your fire preparedness strategy or reviewing your disaster response plan? Let’s connect: Tayler.Young@RestoreCore.com


www.CAIKey sto ne .org 21 


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