The Top Five Safety and Security Issues in Hotels

Hotel safety and security is a serious matter. Even the smallest of residences are obliged by law to adhere to certain standards. Any location that takes paying guests—ranging from luxury hotels through to hostels and small-scale bed and breakfasts—must pay on-going attention to the facility’s safety and security.

While the subject is wide, the following are the top five issues that are encountered by every hotel and accommodation provider in the US and around the world.

Safety and Security Issues in Hotels: Five important threats to consider

•     Safety and Security issues in hotels #1. Safety emergencies
•     Safety and Security issues in hotels #2. Unauthorized visitors
•     Safety and Security issues in hotels #3. Theft (physical and identity)
•     Safety and Security issues in hotels #4. Cybercrime
•     Safety and Security issues in hotels #5. Antisocial behavior

Safety and Security issues in hotels #1: Safety emergencies

The provision of alarms, safety features, evacuation procedures, and emergency protocols are mandatory in residential facilities of all sizes. Risks include, but aren’t limited to, that of fire, flood, natural disasters, and terrorism. Even with systems in place, it’s essential for regular overviews and tweaks, as well as ongoing checks that all alarms etc., are in good working order.

Challenges include the fear factor should an incident occur. Even with regular training, staff unused to dealing with high-octane situations are likely to act in an unorthodox manner, potentially putting lives at risk. One way around this is to employ private security officers accomplished in dealing with stressful situations. Their presence in hotels can, therefore. be utilized in a more regular security role, while being on-site ready to react should an emergency occur.

Safety and Security issues in hotels #2. Unauthorized visitors

Large hotels, in particular, have ongoing issues with having people on-site who shouldn’t be there. Add in public areas, such as bars and restaurants, and the scale of the problem begins to become clear. Whilst staff should be encouraged to get to know guests to determine possible unauthorized visitors, the use of security guards and surveillance cameras is the most robust method by which to tackle this.

Safety and Security issues in hotels #3. Theft 

Theft of physical items is a common problem in both small and large concerns. This includes outside sources entering a facility with the intention of stealing, staff taking items from guests or other staff members, car park theft, and theft of hotel property. Security cameras are a must—preferably those that are monitored 24/7, and security guards can also provide a deterrent.

Safety and Security issues in hotels #4. Cybercrime

Cybercrime, and particular identity theft, is a huge risk for the hotel trade. Hackers would like nothing better than to gain access to the many credit card details processed through hotels—it’s the 21st-century version of pickpocketing.

Putting strict IT policies in place and continual dynamic monitoring is the way to prevent this, preferably via a professional cybersecurity service that’s designed to continually deal with this ever-evolving threat.

Safety and Security issues in hotels #5. Antisocial behavior

Another big problem is that of antisocial behavior. Whether this takes place in a hotel’s public areas or within guest rooms, it’s essential to take proactive steps to prevent escalation. This is best done with a combination of a security presence and 24 hour CCTV monitoring. That way, security guards can, preferably, de-escalate a volatile situation or, if the behavior warrants, intervene, restrain, and contact the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Fast Guard Security are World Leaders in Hotel Safety and Security

Hotel owners and management have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their safety and security is of the highest possible standard. World-leading security company, Fast Guard Service, is the ideal partner for industry expertise, and provide a second-to-none service that covers every aspect required by law.

 Don’t leave your hotel safety and security to chance. Visit //fastguardservice.com to find out more and arrange a confidential, no-obligation discussion as to how their expertise can benefit your location.