Spring is synonymous with volatile weather, including a mix of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding, and, at times, late-season snow.
For the hospitality and hotel industry, these conditions can pose significant challenges. Powerful storms can keep travelers from arriving altogether, while those already checked in may find themselves confined indoors for much of their stay.
To minimize disruptions and protect both guests and their business reputation, hotel operators should take proactive measures to prepare their properties before severe weather strikes.
Before a Weather Event
Prepare your hotel for severe storms. Meeting attendees come from all across the country, and they don’t want to be stuck in a drafty meeting room or a hotel room without heat. Take the time in late winter to prepare your property for storms ahead of time.
Review these tips for preparing for a weather event:
- Perform maintenance. Each building on site will need to be properly prepared. Check the furnace and change the filters. Then clean the fireplace and chimney to remove soot buildup or other safety hazards.
- Gear up for the wet and cold. Some building owners and operators like to make sure they have alternate heating sources, just in case. Generators should be in working order, fully fueled and properly exhausted when in use. For buildings with a fireplace or wood stove, continue to keep firewood stocked into spring. Stock up on lanterns and flashlights in case of a power outage – and store them in a secure location.
- Take care of vehicles. Any vehicles should get a tune up, and drivers encouraged to refill the gas tank and windshield washer fluid regularly.
- Create an emergency supply kit. Stock up on emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, water and cash.
- Create a flood risk mitigation plan. Putting together a Flood Emergency Response Plan helps management to consider the right steps for managing a flood after it hits – including risk mitigation strategies for protecting the business from flooding before it happens.
- Line up Claims Service Providers. After a serious storm, it may be impossible to find a generator that’s available for rent or a contractor who can fix your broken windows or water damaged building. Work with your broker or risk advisor to establish relationships with specific service providers before the issues arise.
After a Weather Event
After the severe storm is over and the roads are clear again, visitors will be coming to your hotel to stay and for events – but they won’t want to come if you’re under water. Businesses that manage the disaster well and clean up as efficiently as possible will maintain good relations and will also keep their employees happy.
Review these best practices for recovering from a weather event:
- Highlight strong managers. Make sure key managers are highly visible – both to visitors and to staff – to help anyone with questions or concerns. They should be empowered to share appropriate information about recovery and expectations.
- Prioritize a quick cleanup. Be sure to secure the property, especially where areas that are undamaged. Then close any building openings and remove water or debris. Address water issues first, and repair any broken equipment.
- Support employees. If possible, consider offering flexible schedules to employees who need it, especially anyone with medical issues. If possible, prioritize continuing salaries without interruption to help support employees through the difficulty.
- Resume operations as soon as possible. Share updates around your hotel's recovery as soon as possible – especially when it comes to welcoming visitors back to the venue.