Disaster Planning and Preparedness

Protect Your Investment Before Disaster Strikes

Disaster Planning and Preparedness Resources

Many may say that amenities and services are what hotels thrive on, and while the very heart of hospitality is to entertain and receive guests, behind the warmth and helpfulness of your hotel is a foundation of safety.

Your guests expect it, and your hotel can’t survive without it. But are you prepared for a flood, hurricane, or other natural disaster that will wreak havoc on your property?

If not, you could be at fault, and your hotel could suffer far beyond the initial threat. Knowing how to plan for natural disasters not only could save the lives of your guests, but it also can save your property millions of dollars in repairs, damages, and potential lawsuits.

Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?



Plan Before a Natural Disaster

Planning long before the disaster occurs is key, which includes having:

  • Clear emergency evacuation plans to reference, such as exits, critical steps, and points of contact
  • A command center with security camera monitoring
  • Frequent training once a month or more so your staff is informed
  • Expert insurance and safety strategy consultants
  • Plans to contact outside resources, such as a PR staff for media communication during and after an event
  • Pre-loss risk assessments and insurance coverage reviews
  • Communication tools during an event, such as automated email and social media
  • Backup systems for online files and backup physical supplies for your guests

Signing Up to Provide FEMA Emergency Lodging Assistance

If you are interested in making your hotel available to applicants of the FEMA Emergency Lodging Assistance program, visit this website to sign up. Hotels that house applicants displaced by a disaster are eligible to obtain payment from (CLC) Corporate Lodging Consultants on behalf of FEMA.

  • To learn more about the program, access the Hotel User Guide.
  • Who are your local heroes? Email pr@aahoa.com to share your stories of strength and rescue.

FEMA and State Emergency Management Resources

  • Download the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Guide for Business and Industry for a step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery for businesses of all sizes.
  • If you have not already done so, please download the FEMA mobile app as well as the one for your state (if available) to receive alerts, view evacuation routes, get safety reminders, locate open shelters, find disaster assistance, and upload photos to assist first responders.
  • Each state has a website with information on preparing for and recovering from natural disasters. Download our state-by-state guide to learn more.

Wildfires: How to Protect Your Business and Your Employees

Wildfires are becoming increasingly common and far more devastating in the U.S. As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to minimize the chances that your property will be destroyed by fire. But you also want to make sure all of your employees are kept safe.

Having a plan in place and knowing ahead of time what your legal obligations are toward your staff are critical to surviving one of nature's most destructive forces.

Wildfire Resources

Protecting Your Business: States with Price-Gouging Laws

Price-gouging laws go into effect in most states when under a state of emergency. State law may prohibit extreme increases in the price of essential commodities such as food, ice, gas, hotels, lumber, and water during a state of emergency.

Resources

Hotels and Price Gouging: What Hotel Companies Should Know

State-by-state Price-Gouging Laws Guide

State Disaster/Emergency Family Preparedness Guides

Hurricanes are a fact of life in the U.S. As torrential rains, tornadoes, and flooding ravage our country each year, especially in the Midwest, keeping your loved ones safe becomes just as critical as taking care of your investments.

Download the State-by-State Preparedness Guide

Other Disaster Preparedness Resources