Things have stabilized at the Hammocks Community Association near Miami more than three years after local prosecutors began filing criminal charges against previous board members for allegedly defrauding owners of more than $2 million in a financial fraud scheme. Every instance of financial fraud serves as a reminder, professionals say, of the importance of owner vigilance and the need for safeguards and controls.
Unprecedented wildfires brought sudden devastation and loss to Southern California in January. As wildfire recovery efforts begin, community association leaders need to consider what immediate actions to take while also ensuring they align with governing documents. They also need to be prepared to work with insurance providers and handle resident requests.
Community association boards should act now to protect their communities from cybersecurity threats, and can use simple and inexpensive methods to protect sensitive data against cyber crime and breaches, according to an insurance expert. To protect themselves in case of an attack or breach, community associations also should research and invest in cyber crime insurance policies.
September marks National Preparedness Month and serves as a reminder that timely preparation for natural disasters will help keep communities and families safe. Community associations should adopt comprehensive plans to prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. They also should educate their homeowners.
Community associations need to tread carefully when it comes to security. Employing various security measures and creating a perception of security could make communities liable if a crime occurs. What should associations do to minimize liability?
