Hurricanes can cause devastating damage within the tourism sectors of affected countries. The effects of Hurricane Katrina in the United States were unprecedented, while hurricanes in the Caribbean have also caused vast damage. Hotel hurricane action plans have evolved as methods of hazard mitigation, formulating a process to help minimize risk and damage to people and property. Effective planning prior to the arrival of a hurricane can reduce loss and help hotels to get back to business quickly.
Hotel hurricane action plans should contain a number of components, including appropriate measures that should be taken prior to the hurricane season and the preparation of an emergency management team to take charge of operations if a hurricane strikes. These teams should be led by an emergency coordinator and include staff with responsibility for areas that include engineering/maintenance, food and drink, guest relations, housekeeping and public relations. Team members should undertake first-aid training, carry out risk assessments and have a full understanding of the hurricane action plan.
Plans should be made to ensure emergency supplies will be in place,and funds should be ring-fenced for procurement. Try to make mutual aid agreements with other businesses and suppliers; these can include areas such as diesel and gas, transport for hotel staff, water, food and hardware.
Dealing with guests effectively is critical if a hurricane strikes. Hurricane action plans should consider how and when guests would be moved to other hotels. Plans should also state what services and supplies other hotels would be expected to provide for guests, and an indication needs to be in place as to how and when guests will return to their own hotel. Developing ties with partner hotels that offer reciprocal arrangements is a useful element of planning.
Planning should include practical steps to be taken as the hurricane approaches. Hotels should remain in contact with the National Weather Service to track a storm's progress. Emergency kits in a hotel should be fully stocked with water and medical supplies. Steps should be taken to prevent physical damage, for example, closing internal doors to contain flying glass and removing potentially dangerous objects such as picnic tables and basketball hoops that might take off in the wind.
