2007 Hurricane Season Forecast
Flu Preparedness
Homeland Security
Hurricane Preparedness
Be Informed
Developing a thorough plan will improve the likelihood that your lodging property will survive and recover. We've compiled the following information to help hoteliers think and act ahead.
Know the risks and assess your preparedness. For general guidance, click here.
For a lodging-specific self assessment tool, download this extensive Safety & Security Self Inspection Checklist for hotels.
Review a sample plan used by some state hotel associations to coordinate preparedness training between The American Red Cross and local hotels.
For more assessment strategies and checklists, search the AH&LA Loss Prevention Management Database.
Pandemic Flu National Training Conference, Oct. 11-12, Sheraton National, Arlington, VA
Health Epidemics
Review World Health Organization updates on Pandemic Alert and Response.
Check out the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention State Activities.
Review AH&LA's guidance on Preparing for a Flu Pandemic.
Terrorism Detection and Response
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Stay abreast of the Transportation Security Administration's latest advisories.
Stay informed via the Real Estate Information Sharing & Analysis Center, a public-private partnership to counter terrorism.
Visit the FBI Counterterrorism Website, Including Tipline
Review ASIS International's Threat Advisory System Response Guidelines.
Check the Homeland Security section of AH&LA's Website.
Natural Disasters
Implement the American Red Cross Hurricane Evacuation Checklist.
Get disaster updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Download FEMA's Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry.
Visit the Hurricane Preparedness section of AH&LA's Website.
Address Emergency Planning For Employees
Our employees are our hotelier's most important and valuable asset. There are some procedures you can put in place before a disaster, but you should also learn what people need to recover after a disaster. It is possible your staff will need time to ensure the well-being of their family members, but getting back to work is important to the personal recovery of people who have experienced disasters. It is essential to re-establish routines, when possible. For more, click here.
Know OSHA's Emergency Evacuation Regulations.
Download the Disaster Recovery Shop's Business Continuity Planner addressing employee management and emergency planning.
Access additional resources via the Society for Human Resource Management (membership required).
Compile Emergency Supplies
When preparing for emergency situations, think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. Staff should have a portable kit customized to meet personal needs, such as essential medications.
Decide To Stay or Go
The first essential decision after an incident occurs is whether to shelter-in-place or evacuate. Understand and plan for both possibilities in advance by developing clear, well thought out plans.
Get updates and advice from the Transportation Security Administration
Make Fire Safety Part of the Plan
Is your evacuation and communication plan thorough and tested? Have employees been trained to distinguish between an incipient (just getting started) fire and one that is moving toward structural involvement? Are they trained in calling for assistance and containing the fire until help arrives? For general guidelines, click here.
Download a free copy of the National Fire Protection Association's Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs and visit www.nfpa.org for more resources.
Visit AH&LA's Loss Prevention Management online database.
Prepare for Medical Emergencies
Workplace medical emergencies vary greatly depending on the disaster, type of job, and worksite. Review general steps to give you the upper hand in responding to a medical emergency.
Review and be ready to implement AH&LA's Biochemical Cleanup Protocol.
Communicate Effectively with the Media
Delivering accurate and appropriate messages to the media can accelerate your property's recovery and limit damage in an emergency. Review AH&LA's Crisis Communication Tips and Crisis Communications Video and Manual for detailed guidance.
Don't Wait to Plan
A commitment to planning today will help support employees, guests, the community, the local economy, and even the country. And of course, thorough planning is the key to protecting your property and giving your business a strong chance for survival.
Stay Connected
AH&LA is the lodging industry's central conduit for information and preparedness resources. A nationwide network of experts in loss prevention, disaster preparedness, research, and communications help members think and act ahead. In addition, AH&LA cooperates closely with government and private entities: coordinating disaster response and disseminating classified advisories from the Department of Homeland Security; channeling information between hoteliers and relief agencies; linking members to consultation and recovery funds; and acting as the industry's voice to the media on every topic from hurricanes to labor issues. AH&LA's focus on preparedness is one of many reasons it makes sense to explore membership.
AH&LA is helping the hotel industry prepare for emergencies.