If you are a landlord or rental property owner in Las Vegas or Henderson, you know there is a lot that goes into managing your rental property and keeping your tenants happy. With so much on your plate, some things can be overlooked, including an emergency plan for your tenants.

Creating an emergency plan and providing tenants with details on what to do in case of a crisis is invaluable. It can also build trust between you and your tenants to show your professionalism and concern for their safety. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you create an emergency plan that protects both your tenants and your investment.

1. Consider What Types of Emergencies Could Occur

Before putting an emergency preparedness plan together, take time to assess potential risks that are common in your area. You may live in a city that experiences flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. Likewise, conditions in your region could make your property more prone to fires. Look at these risks when deciding what to include in your emergency plan.

2. Check Local Government Requirements and Recommendations

You should also check state and local laws for any landlord requirements regarding safety measures and emergency preparedness. For example, Nevada law requires landlords to provide a list of important names and phone numbers that tenants can use in case of an emergency.

Additionally, all landlords must have working smoke detectors in all residential dwellings in Nevada. New construction homes have even more requirements, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are hardwired with a backup battery.

3. Provide Emergency Resources for Tenants

Nevada also offers helpful preparedness information and resources you can review as you create your emergency plan. Through Plan Ahead Nevada, you have access to important lists and templates you can offer your tenants when they move in to help them prepare for an emergency, including:

• Emergency supply checklist
• Emergency communications plan template
• Basic preparedness tips
• Kids preparedness & safety
• Emergency pet checklist template

RELATED: Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets in Your Rental Property

4. Create an Evacuation Plan

Whether your rental property is a house, condominium, or multi-family complex, it is crucial to map out escape routes that tenants can use during an emergency. For larger buildings, assume that elevators will not be working, and your tenants will need to use the stairs to exit the structure.

First, have a floor plan of your rental property ready. Then, mark the escape routes tenants should use in case of a fire or other emergency. You should also mark where essential supplies or equipment are located, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Lastly, designate an area where tenants will meet and call for help outside of the rental property.

Having a clear and thought-out evacuation plan means your tenants can quickly and safely exit the property and call for help, which will help prevent panic, injuries, and property damage.

5. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Another thing you can do for your tenants is provide essential supplies that will help if a disaster strikes, including:

• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency bottled water
• First aid kit
• Flashlights
• Whistles
• Extra batteries

You can also give your tenants recommendations of emergency supplies they can stock on their own, such as non-perishable food, sanitation items, and vital supplies for children and pets. Remind them to check their supplies regularly and replenish items when needed.

6. Create a List of Emergency Contacts

When an emergency situation happens in your rental, an emergency contact list is incredibly helpful for tenants. Emergencies are often chaotic and overwhelming, so having a clear list of important names and phone numbers is ideal in these situations.

In Nevada, you are legally required to have an emergency contact who resides within the county or within 60 miles of the property. If you own a rental property but do not live close to it, your Henderson or Las Vegas property manager can be the emergency contact for your tenants.

Other important contacts to have on your emergency list may include:

• Secondary emergency contact
• The fire department
• The gas company
• The closest hospital
• The local police department

7. Have Communication Procedures in Place

In addition to emergency contact information, it is a good idea to have communication procedures in place to help your tenants know who to call and when. For example, if there is a break-in or vandalism at the rental property, provide easy-to-follow instructions to report the issue to the authorities before contacting you. Likewise, they should contact the fire department immediately if there is a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

Additionally, you may want to explain what is and is not considered an emergency. A broken faucet or other minor repair in the middle of the night is something that can wait until morning. Spelling out exactly how to handle the communication chain in certain scenarios will help your tenants navigate the situation.

8. Test Your Emergency Preparedness Plan

Lastly, you should always test your emergency preparedness plan and provide the education and training your tenants need to handle different types of scenarios. The best planning in the world will not work without practice. Every few months, you and your tenants can do a trial run on what to do when an emergency occurs. This way, if it does happen, everyone is better prepared and knows what to expect.

Being Proactive with a Las Vegas Property Manager

Providing the best tenant service and communication is a tough job on your own. If you are ready to take the next step with your rental property, the Black & Cherry experienced Henderson and Las Vegas property management team has the resources you need to streamline your operations. Our team will help you stay on top of crucial planning and emergency preparedness that keeps your tenants safe and your rental property protected.

Black & Cherry Real Estate and Property Management provides other award-winning property management services, including advertising, tenant screening, rent collection, accounting, digital marketing, maintenance, and more. Contact our property management team today to learn how our experienced team of property management professionals can help you manage your Las Vegas or Henderson rental property!