Are Hotels Safe During Hurricane? Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters, with strong winds, torrential rains, storm surge, and the potential for widespread damage. When a hurricane is forecast, residents and travelers alike must make quick and informed decisions about where to shelter. For those far from home, hotels may seem like the natural choice. But are hotels really safe during a hurricane?
The answer is complex. A hotel’s safety during a hurricane depends on multiple factors, including its location, construction, emergency preparedness, and compliance with local evacuation orders. This article examines these factors in depth to help travelers and temporary residents make the safest possible decision.
Location: The Most Critical Factor
Evacuation Zones
The hotel’s location is the most important factor. Hotels located within designated evacuation zones, especially those near coastlines, rivers, or low-lying areas, are not safe places to take shelter during a hurricane. These zones are designated by local emergency management based on flood risk, storm surge predictions, and vulnerability to winds.
If a hotel is located within an evacuation zone, it is legally required to comply with mandatory evacuation orders. Guests and staff are expected to leave the hotel, regardless of its structural strength or readiness.
How to check:
Visit the county or city emergency management website for evacuation zone maps.
Enter the hotel address into online zone verification tools, typically provided by local governments.
Compliance with building codes and construction standards
Modern construction vs. Older Construction
Hotels built or renovated after the early 2000s in hurricane-prone regions are more likely to meet improved building codes. These codes may include:
- Impact-resistant windows and doors
- Reinforced concrete or steel structures
- Hurricane straps to anchor roofs
- Raised foundations for flood-prone areas
However, not all hotels are built to the same standards. Older buildings, particularly those built before the introduction of updated codes (typically after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 or Hurricane Katrina in 2005), may lack essential safety features.
What to Ask:
- When was the hotel last built or renovated?
- Does the building meet local hurricane-resistant building codes?
- Are the exterior windows and doors certified for wind and impact resistance?
Hotel Emergency Preparedness Plans
A safe hotel during a hurricane should have a detailed and well-implemented emergency plan. This plan should cover everything from communication protocols to supplies and shelter strategies.
Key features of a good plan:
Backup power: A working generator to maintain lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, and communications. Emergency supplies: Sufficient food, drinking water, flashlights, and medical kits for all guests and staff for at least 72 hours.
Internal safety zones: Pre-designated rooms or areas where guests can take shelter away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
Communication systems: The ability to provide regular updates via in-room phones, PA systems, or mobile alerts.
Trained staff: Employees trained in disaster response, guest assistance, and first aid.
Ask the hotel about its emergency protocol before booking, especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season (June through November in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions).
What happens if you’re already at your hotel when a hurricane hits?
If you’ve already checked into a hotel and a hurricane threatens, hotel staff will generally inform guests about evacuation orders or instructions to stay home. Here’s what might happen depending on the severity of the storm:
Tropical storm or Category 1 hurricane: You may be advised to stay indoors, away from windows. Services may be limited.
Category 2-3 hurricane: You may be relocated to a safer area of the building or advised to evacuate, depending on your location.
Category 4-5 hurricane: A mandatory evacuation may be required. No hotel is completely safe during a hurricane of this magnitude if you’re located in the projected path.
In all cases, listen to local authorities and hotel staff. Do not attempt to take shelter in your room if the hotel is under evacuation orders.
Risks of Staying in a Hotel During a Hurricane
Even well-built hotels can be vulnerable to:
Power Outages: Emergency generators could fail or run out of fuel.
Water Shortages: Municipal water services could stop working; the water supply could be limited.
Limited Emergency Response: Emergency services are often suspended during the height of the storm and may not reach the hotel if roads are flooded or blocked.
Isolation: If cell phone towers fail and Wi-Fi is lost, you could be left without access to information and unable to access your phone.
When Is a Hotel a Safe Option?
Hotels can be a relatively safe option only when:
- They are located outside the evacuation zone.
- They are built according to modern hurricane-resistant building codes.
- They have a clear and comprehensive emergency plan.
- Local authorities have not issued evacuation orders for the area.
If all these conditions are met and you cannot evacuate or find a safer location, staying in a hotel may be a viable shelter option.
Others Safer Alternatives
If a hurricane is forecast and evacuation orders are likely, consider the following safer alternatives to riding out the storm in a hotel:
- Stay with friends or family inland who are in a safe area.
- Use official shelters provided by local emergency management. Many are equipped with food, medical personnel, and emergency personnel.
- Book a hotel further inland, preferably more than 100 miles from the coast or flood zones.
- Leave early to avoid traffic congestion and limited room availability.
What to Do if You Are Injured During a Hurricane
Injuries are a sad reality during a hurricane, and emergency response times can be delayed and phone service limited. If you suffer serious injuries, it is important to seek urgent medical attention by calling 911.
Traffic Accidents
As people rush to leave high-risk areas or flee the storm’s aftermath, traffic accidents are common. Make sure you have a survival kit in your car that includes first aid supplies that can help you treat minor injuries while you wait for paramedics.
Waterborne Infections
Floodwaters from hurricanes can be heavily contaminated with sewage and toxic chemicals. They can also hide broken glass, other sharp objects, and debris. Cuts sustained in this type of environment are more susceptible to serious infections. Be prepared to treat cuts immediately with your first aid kit and then seek appropriate medical attention.
Food Poisoning and Dehydration
People are more likely to consume spoiled food after a hurricane due to utility interruptions. Don’t take any chances. Discard perishable food if the power is out for several hours. Make sure you have enough water and non-perishable food before the storm hits so you’re not tempted to eat unsafe food and prevent dehydration. If you experience food poisoning, seek appropriate medical attention.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if you use a backup or portable generator for power after the storm. If you’re using a generator, make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors and never operate it inside an enclosed area, even if the windows and doors are open. If you experience signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
Fractures and Heavy Bleeding
Serious acute injuries can occur as a result of the hurricane and even during cleanup. Fractures and internal or external bleeding may occur. If you suspect a broken bone or are bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.
