It can be hard to figure out first steps when reeling from a natural disaster. It helps to have
a plan in place—just in case. Jake Parsons, managing director at financial advisory and management consulting firm the Claro Group, offers the following advice for hoteliers whose properties have been hit by a natural disaster.
Human safety is paramount. “Owners need to focus on the safety of their guests and employees. A lot is happening at once, but making sure everyone is safe comes first. Evacuate people if necessary.”
Take steps to mitigate additional losses. “For example, if a tornado comes through and takes the roof off of your hotel, you should put a tarp over the hole to prevent further damage.”
Report everything to insurance. “Even if damage looks to be minor, it’s always better to err on the side of providing your insurance notice and then deciding that the damage wasn’t severe enough to pursue a claim. You don’t want what looks to be a small issue to grow into something unmanageable. Think minor water damage that infiltrates walls and leads to a full-blown mold problem. If you didn’t report the water damage, it might not be covered.”
Contact a restoration company—quickly. “When an area experiences a major disaster, you’re not the only one who needs restoration services. You want to notify your restoration company immediately so you’re at the top of their queue and you’re not waiting two or three days for assistance.”
