The unpredictable nature of hurricanes makes them one of the most frightening natural disasters on the planet. With high wind speeds, catastrophic flooding, and deadly flying debris, these storms cause chaos and destruction wherever they hit. During these hazardous times, hotel and resort owners need to take special care to manage their business and properties properly. Failure to do so can result in significant financial loss or devastating injuries. Resort hurricane protection needs to be implemented, before the storm ever hits, for the best possible outcome. External areas and structures need to be secured as well as the interior areas.

Planning 

Since hurricanes often increase in strength or unpredictably stray off their estimated course, resort hurricane protection should be based around hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. By always being fully prepared for a storm to hit, you will never be caught off guard. “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready.”

It is important to first be up-to-date on any impending weather. Make sure to watch the weather channel, or download an app that will send alerts at the first word of an approaching storm. The most reliable sources of weather forecasts are government-produced sites or applications. Reliable government agencies include the NHC (National Hurricane Center), and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association).

The website for the NHC is: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Other trusted meteorological organizations are:

Another golden rule when it comes to hotel and resort hurricane protection is to take any storm warning and raise it up one level. For instance, a category 1 hurricane should be treated like a category 2 hurricane. A “hurricane watch” should also be treated as a “hurricane warning.” The reason for this is added protection and extra security when it comes to your business and the people inside of it. You simply cannot take chances when there are lives at stake.

Structurally, you will need a system set into place that will essentially “button-down” your hotel or resort. Companies like Armor Screen who specialize in complex and custom hurricane systems for commercial properties can give you the best protection possible. This system or method of securing your property for hurricanes needs to be installed and ready to use well before hurricane season begins. This way, there will be no loose ends to tie up last-minute when a storm is on its way.

Companies such as Armor Screen will also be able to install hurricane screens to protect your resort’s outdoor areas such as patios, outdoor dining areas, displays, statues, etc. These areas are especially vulnerable to the wrath of hurricanes, and it is important to consider every part of your property when planning your resort hurricane protection.

If your windows and doors are not made of hurricane-proof impact glass, the time to replace these is also well before hurricane season starts. Ensuring your windows and doors are safe and shatter-proof before a hurricane can reduce damage or injuries greatly. These high-quality windows can also reduce break-ins and theft, and will increase the value of your property.

Preparation 

To stay on top of your resort hurricane protection, it is suggested to have a solid team– all with different hurricane prep duties– trained and ready to go in case of a storm. This team should consist of senior management and/or specialist consultants.

Staff meetings should be held starting several days before the hurricane strikes. These meetings should train staff how to use any and all hurricane equipment, and also should brief staff on the safety procedures for emergency evacuation. Crowd control and crisis management are also useful things to go over with your team.

It is imperative to evacuate as many guests and contractors as possible before a storm hits if there is any chance that the hurricane will strike the hotel or resort. If no suitable building exists on site, i.e. a reinforced concrete building with hurricane impact windows, then evacuate all guests and staff members to the nearest official government hurricane center.

Make sure all hurricane prep is in place; outdoor structures are secured or moved to a safer location, doors and windows are secured properly, and any other added security measures have been set up correctly. Any and all back-up generators should be ready to go, and there should be a solid understanding by someone on staff as to how to use them. Remember that all exhaust gases need to be expelled to the outside. If you are in doubt, switch the generator off. Always have a gas analyzer active.

Fire extinguishers, hoses and sprinklers should all be working and in their proper places in the event of a fire.

Have emergency water and food on hand. Never drink the mains water supply after a hurricane as there is a possibility, particularly after a category 5, that the mains water lines could be polluted by a number of contaminates.

During the Storm  

Move any staff and remaining guests to a safe area. Have emergency medical kits or personnel on hand on the event of a medical emergency. Keep a calm and authoritative energy. Remain in constant connection with a radio or some way to monitor the movements of the storm. Keep in mind that if you find yourself in the eye of the storm, there may be a break in the winds and rain that will be cut short. Do not go outside or take down any part of your resort hurricane protection until you are sure that the storm has truly passed.

Aftermath 

There may be a lot of damage and mess to clean up following the wrath of a hurricane. Have staff or a third-party company on call that can come and clear the mess after the storm has cleared. When you are sure the storm has passed, you can begin to un-do your hotel or resort hurricane protection systems. If you have hurricane systems like those provided by Armor Screen, they should be fairly easy to disassemble.

Be sure to have your water tested before allowing guests to bathe in it or drink it.

If any systems are down or any damage to your property has been done, make the appropriate calls to have that portion of your property fixed or safely sealed off until it can be remedied.

It can be useful to store any and all hurricane supplies in an easy-to-access location during the entirety of hurricane season.

How Armor Screen Can Help

Here at Armor Screen, we will evaluate your property and from there provide you with the best resort hurricane protection possible. Call us today at 877-237-2337, or go to our website to request a quote and find out more about what custom solution Armor Screen can provide for you and your commercial property. Don’t go unprotected this hurricane season!