| The Atlantic Ocean is kicking up a few tropical storms | | | | Also, consider how your guests will locate food. If |
| and one confirmed hurricane, not totally unexpected | | | | your hotel is within walking distance or short driving |
| for mid-hurricane season. As the eastern seaboard | | | | distance of local restaurants, prepare a list of these |
| dries off after Tropical Storm Claudette and braces | | | | establishments for your guests. If not, consider how |
| for potential damage from Hurricane Bill, hotel | | | | your hotel might cooperate in finding meals for the |
| operators outside the danger zone are once more | | | | guests. Prepare a plan now, by working with your hotel |
| faced with the onslaught of evacuees. According to | | | | insurance carrier and various restaurants, that will |
| the Texas Department of Public Safety, nearly 33 | | | | cover delivery of food to your hotel for evacuees. |
| percent of all evacuees intend to ride out the storm in | | | | You might consider contacting agencies such as the |
| a hotel. Is your hotel one of those? | | | | Red Cross if your hotel is not within easy access of |
| Public safety officials recommend that hotels serving | | | | food sources. |
| as evacuation points meet the following | | | | Once your establishment is full, make sure to contact |
| requirements: | | | | local authorities and let them know. Most emergency |
| - Hurricane evacuation shelters should be located | | | | preparedness agencies provide information to |
| outside of hurricane risk areas. | | | | evacuees on room availability. Help evacuees save |
| - Shelters should be located away from floodplains. | | | | time looking by letting them know you have no more |
| - Access roads to the shelter should be checked to | | | | rooms. |
| make sure flooding won’t deter evacuees from | | | | Before any emergency situation, be it hurricane, flood, |
| reaching it. | | | | tornado, or other event occurs, contact your hotel |
| - The shelters should be wind-resistant. | | | | insurance broker and discuss risk management steps |
| - Shelters must be located away from hazardous | | | | you need to take in order to ensure the safety of your |
| materials storage, manufacture, or use facilities. | | | | guests while taking on the additional risk of serving as |
| What is your responsibility to your guests during any | | | | an evacuation point. Make sure your insurer will cover |
| evacuation situation, hurricane or otherwise? First, | | | | these risks, and talk with your broker to understand |
| ensure that there is adequate parking for all guests, | | | | how this new status could affect your coverage and |
| and make sure to check with local authorities before | | | | premiums. |
| instructing guests to park on public property or streets. | | | | |