Pearson New International Edition International pcl tp indd 1

Security Precautions
Even small hotels should form a safety committee to develop, review, and modify, if
necessary, policies and procedures related to potential safety and security problems.
One or more representatives from each hotel department should serve on this cross-
functional committee. Front office personnel are necessary because of the critical role
they play in alerting guests to emergencies and in telling them about precautions to be
taken.
Personnel from the hotel’s security department are involved in planning, con-
ducting, and selecting security training programs. Such programs instruct hotel staff,
including personnel in the front office, about what to do if and when a security or
safety issue arises. Representatives of the local fire department, and governmental
agencies may be helpful in providing information. Departments of emergency pre-
paredness are important in areas with the potential for natural disasters such as hur-
ricanes and earthquakes. Also, representatives of the hotel’s insurance carrier can
often provide resources and other input to the development of the hotel’s safety train-
ing programs and operating procedures.