AH&LA is the lodging industry's central conduit for
information resources. This section offers resources and advice for
topics to help you become more knowledgeable.
Human Trafficking – learn how you and your employees can combat this issue.
Combat the Flu – prevent and manage a flu outbreak.
2012 Economic Census – information about how their efforts will help your community or your industry.
AH&LA App – AH&LA’s official app keeps members up to
date on the latest news from Capitol Hill, upcoming events, and connects
members to AH&LA’s social media activity, including Joe McInerney’s weekly blog, and a SmartBrief feed keeps members
abreast of daily industry news.
Every property is different and the location of every property is unique. As a result, security measures must be tailored to the individual property and its location. Some things you might wish to consider when addressing security at your hotel are:
- Depending on the size and business volume of the hotel, securing the perimeter doors during certain hours.
- Not allowing unauthorized vehicles to park near the building, (i.e., taxi cabs, limousines, buses).
- If you have front-door valet parking, consideration of suspending this practice during the "code orange" and "code red" statuses.
- If possible and depending upon factors such as the presence of celebrities or politicians,what functions are taking place and how full the hotel is, hiring extra security or off-duty law enforcement to provide additional security as well as reassurance to guests.
- Download our Guest Safety Tips and Child Safety Tips and post them in guest rooms, distribute upon check in, or keep them on hand when needed.
- Download the DHS Private Sector Resources Catalog to access resources to help keep our country secure. Targeted specifically towards the private sector, this document collects the training, publications, guidance, alerts, newsletters, programs, and services available to the private sector across the department.
Though not empowered to set standards, AH&LA encourages the industry to regularly review and re-evaluate their policies and procedures, including those related to safety.
Holiday Fire Safety
Do you know that most states and municipalities have
regulations regarding decorations? This is a good time for hoteliers to review
their local and state fire codes.
Generally, holiday
decorations should be made from flame resistant, flame retardant, or
non-combustible materials. If you are using natural materials such as
evergreens and leaves, it is imperative that you check with the local fire
authorities regarding the proper flame retardant protocol.
The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission has a “Holiday Decoration Safety Tips” pamphlet to
view on their Website. This pamphlet addresses trees,
lights, candles, paper, and fake snow.
While all holiday
decorations must be securely fastened, it is important to remember that the placement
of any decorations must not conceal, even partially, any exits, exit lights, or
fire extinguisher locations.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
has a Hotel Fire Safety Checklist to assess property readiness in case of a
fire. They also offer fire safety tips for hotel guests.
The U.S. Fire Administration and the Department
of Homeland Security maintain a list of “fire-safe” hotels approved for
government travelers. Properties must register to be placed on the Hotel-Motel
National Master List. The state’s fire marshal or designee approves or denies a
property’s request to be listed.