Hurricane Season is Here – Is Your Business Truly Prepared?

As we enter another hurricane season, hospitality and tourism entities across the region must ask an important question: Are we fully prepared, not only on paper, but in practice?

For those in the hospitality industry, readiness isn’t only about safeguarding infrastructure, it’s about protecting lives, ensuring guest confidence, and maintaining business continuity. Your Hurricane Manual is the cornerstone of that readiness, and now is the time to review and rehearse every detail.

BEFORE THE STORM: Planning is Protection

Proactive planning can mean the difference between safety and chaos. Your hurricane manual should outline clear, step-by-step actions, and each team member should understand their role.

Securing the Property: Your First Line of Defence

Before the winds rise, make sure your hotel’s exterior is fully secured. Poolside furniture, signage, umbrellas, and any items that can be lifted by strong winds must be properly anchored or brought indoors. A strong gust can turn even a lightweight chair into a serious hazard. Early action not only protects your property but also prevents injuries.

Stocking and Checking Emergency Supplies

A well-stocked emergency storage area can make all the difference. Ensure there’s an ample supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, and fuel for generators. Don’t wait until a storm is imminent, check that all emergency equipment is functional and that supplies are easily accessible in multiple areas of the hotel.

Unifying Departments with Clear Coordination

Preparedness is a team effort. Every department including housekeeping and engineering even the kitchen, front office, and security must be on the same page. Assign hurricane-specific responsibilities to each team, conduct short but focused drills, and make sure everyone knows who to report to during an emergency. When departments move in unison, response is faster and more effective.

Keeping Guests Calm and Informed

Clear communication saves lives and reduces panic. Draft simple, informative messages ahead of time that explain what guests should expect before, during, and after a hurricane. These messages can be printed, sent by email, or broadcast via in-room TV channels. When guests know you’re prepared, they feel safer and more confident in your care.

Reviewing Evacuation Procedures for All Guests

Evacuation, when necessary, must be swift, organized, and inclusive. Staff should be trained not only in the logistics of evacuating a building, but also in how to support guests with mobility or medical challenges. Practice calm, clear communication and ensure evacuation maps and plans are visible and understood by all departments.

DURING THE STORM: Safety Over Everything

When the storm arrives, your emergency protocols shift from planning to action. This is when your training, coordination, and preparation must come together seamlessly. The priority now is clear protecting life above all else.

Activate Safe Zones for Shelter

Once the threat is imminent, all guests and essential staff should be moved to designated safe zones within the hotel. These are typically interior corridors or rooms that are away from windows, glass doors, or other fragile structures. Make sure these areas are stocked with basic supplies and remain calm as you guide guests through the process. A reassuring tone and clear instructions will go a long way in maintaining a sense of order and safety.

Shut Down Non-Critical Systems

To prevent fire, gas leaks, or electrical surges, it’s essential to power down any systems that aren’t necessary during the storm. This includes disconnecting gas lines (if present), switching off non-essential power sources, and securing the kitchen and maintenance areas. This step helps minimize risk and keeps emergency power available for critical areas like communications and lighting.

Maintain a Reliable Communication Hub

Effective communication during a hurricane is non-negotiable. Ensure that radios or battery-operated communication devices are charged and readily available. Assign a team member to monitor official weather updates and government instructions. Only essential staff should remain on duty, and their roles should be clearly defined ahead of time. Above all, never compromise staff safety ensure they too are protected and accounted for.

Remain Indoors Until the All-Clear

Even if conditions seem to improve and the winds subside, it may only be the eye of the storm, a dangerous lull before the second wave hits. No one should leave the shelter area until local authorities issue the official all-clear. The temptation to check on property damage or move about should be resisted to avoid exposure to unexpected dangers.

AFTER THE STORM: Assess, Support, and Rebuild

The storm may have passed, but the work is far from over. The recovery phase is where your preparedness, leadership, and attention to detail truly count. Every decision made in these hours and days will impact guest confidence, staff morale, and how quickly your property can return to full operations.

Begin with a Thorough Damage Assessment

Before anything else, conduct a structured walk-through of the property with trained personnel. Your focus should be on identifying visible damage, taking photos of all affected areas, and documenting any hazards such as water intrusion, broken windows, damaged roofing, or structural issues. This documentation will not only inform your recovery strategy but is vital for insurance and internal reporting.

Provide Support for Guests and Staff Alike

Guests and employees will be looking to management for leadership, care, and reassurance. Provide clean drinking water and meals as a priority, and maintain open, compassionate communication. Assign team members to check in on guests especially those traveling alone or with young children and make sure their concerns are heard. Emotional support and a calm presence can go a long way toward restoring trust after a traumatic event.

Ensure Operational Safety Before Restarting

Business continuity starts with safety. Do not resume normal operations until a full inspection has been completed and your property is declared safe by qualified professionals. Pay particular attention to electrical wiring, gas lines, water quality, and structural integrity. Restoration of essential services like plumbing, HVAC, and refrigeration should be prioritized to prepare for reoccupation of rooms and reopening of facilities.

Report, Document, and Plan the Next Steps

As part of your business continuity strategy, accurate reporting is key. Use the incident reporting forms and templates outlined in your Hurricane Manual to document everything. Submit required reports to your corporate office, insurance provider, or local authorities. If adjustments are needed to your emergency response procedures, now is the time to note them for future improvement.

Preparation is a Shared Responsibility

Your hurricane manual is not just a management tool it’s a team guide. Every employee, including line-level staff and general managers, should know its contents and how to act on them.

Let’s not wait for the warning sirens to begin preparing. Hold a refresher training session, update your contact lists, recheck your supply stock, and walk through the manual together.

Because in this industry, safety and service go hand in hand.

(SLHTA Environmental Committee)