Owning a hotel may seem like a fun idea. It can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with some challenges, as well. The safety of your guests should be a top priority. Hotels pose a number of potential dangers. It’s important to prepare for any safety issues you might face as a hotel owner. Here are some tips on how to keep your hotel safe.
Have an Electric Plan in Place
There are always risks when electricity is involved. You’ll want to make sure each rooms’ appliances and outlets are safe to use. Routine check-ups are necessary to reduce the risk of fires and electrical shocks. Hiring a contractor for your routine electrical needs may be ideal and allow you to react more quickly to power outages. This step will save you money because you’ll only be paying for them on an as-needed basis. Self-employed electricians can also get cheap insurance, so it’s one less worry.
If you have a large hotel, hiring an on-site electrician ensures someone is there 24/7 to help with any electrical issues.
Prevent a Cyber Attack
The moment your guests book a hotel room, there’s a risk cybercriminals could steal their information. In 2020, Marriott Hotels was fined about $20.8 million after a data breach affected up to 339 million guests, according to the BBC.
You might think only larger corporations are affected, but cyber attacks are a common issue hotel owners face. The reason? Cyber attackers see hotel computer systems as gold mines because they contain personal information and credit card information for so many people. So, it’s critical to do everything you can to keep your guests protected.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology recommends installing and activating firewalls, using encryption for business-sensitive information, and securing all wireless access points and networks. It’s essential to keep the network you provide hotel guests with wireless internet on separate routers from the one where you keep your business information. Hotel employees also shouldn’t have access to this network unless they’re a part of your internet security team.
Develop a Fire Safety Plan
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are approximately 3,900 hotel and motel fires each year. These fires result in an average of 15 deaths, 100 injuries, and $100 million in property losses annually. The leading cause may surprise you — cooking.
It’s necessary to have smoke detectors and an automatic fire sprinkler system in every hotel room. Each floor should have fire alarms easily accessible to your guests. There should be a fire evacuation plan available in each room, along with a map they can use to locate the two closest exits to every room.
Be sure to discuss your fire prevention plan with your employees. (Note that OSHA requires you to have this plan in writing if you have more than 10 employees). Your employees should also be aware of what to do in the event of a fire.
Schedule Regular Gas Checks
It’s crucial to make sure the gas systems in your hotel are functioning safely at all times. Schedule regular gas checks to ensure anything connected to gas, appliance or otherwise, is safe to use.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure you have carbon monoxide and dioxide monitors in your hotel. Not only should these alert guests if levels become dangerous, but they should be able to turn off the gas system. Regular testing of these systems is critical to make sure these monitors are functioning.
Set Up a Video Surveillance System
A video surveillance system is a great way to help your guests feel safer. It’s also an ideal option in case anyone commits any crimes on hotel property. This precaution can help aid in any potential police investigations.
It’s important to keep in mind that simply having video surveillance isn’t enough to protect your guests. It’s actually necessary to monitor the system at all times. One great way to accomplish this challenge is to hire a security team to watch the footage or a third-party security company. Some video surveillance systems come with a voice system that allows you to warn people of anything that might be unsafe in their surroundings.
These are just some of the many safety issues hotel owners face. It’s fundamental to do everything you can to keep your guests safe and protected during their stay at your hotel. It’s equally important to protect yourself by fully insuring your property in case a disaster affects your hotel guests, employees, or property.
