MONDAY, JANUARY 02, 2012
 Happy New Year everyone!
The PAII conference is scheduled for later this month, and I hope to see many of you there!
Safety is “key” for an innkeeper. You work hard attract guests, and I can tell you as a frequent B&B patron, it gives me a warm feeling in my heart when I see extra steps taken to ensure my safety.
I was talking with an innkeeper who had just built a beautiful 3 story inn. We were going over the insurance application, and talking about extra steps that had been taken to ensure guest safety. Hard wired smoke detectors, a central station alarm system, key codes on the entry doors, break away windows (as required by the fire marshal) on the 3rd floor.
During the course of our conversation, I asked the innkeeper “Ok – in the event of a fire, after the windows are broken out, what then?” This question was met with dead silence. The construction of the inn did not provide a balcony or roof to drop on to. I then joked “Do they just jump?” Actually this was no joking matter. I’m sure you have seen the news, the pictures that tear at your heart, while captions list lives lost in a fire.
I recently visited a Bed and Breakfast where concern for my safety was apparent from the moment I walked in the door. The rooms were beautifully decorated and the common areas comfortable, yet elegant. Small hard-wired smoke detectors were in each guest room, as well as the common areas. Exit routes posted in each guest room, and emergency lighting tucked into the corner of the staircase. This particular property is two stories in height, but there are fire escape ladders mounted inside a cabinet under each window. The cabinet door is pained the same shade as the wall, so it is does not detract form the décor of the room.
If I were traveling through the area, this is the B&B I would want to stay in. I will refer my friends and family to this B&B, because I love the fact that guest safety is a visible concern.
As 2012 begins, I would encourage you to evaluate the effectiveness of safety precautions and/or procedures you have implemented at your B&B or Inn. Maybe you need to give serious consideration to safety ladders, emergency lighting, electronic locks, an extra night guard (light) in the parking area. Do you have an emergency plan? How will you respond in the event of a crisis?
I will be happy to provide resources on safety, crisis management, employee handbooks, ect. Please call to discuss your Bed and Breakfast Insurance or Country Inn Insurance needs (765) -381-4904.
Wishing you a prosperous New Year!
Karmen Ward - Ailes
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