As Storm Éowyn approaches, bringing with it a rare red weather warning for the UK and Republic of Ireland on Friday, 24th January, it is crucial for the hospitality sector to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of their people and the continuity of their operations. With gusts expected to reach up to 100 mph, this storm poses significant risks, including potential damage to property, travel disruptions, and danger to life.
Understanding the Red Weather Warning
The red weather warning indicates extreme weather conditions that could lead to flying debris, causing a danger to life. The Met Office has advised people to stay at home, with all schools in Northern Ireland closing and travel restrictions in place across Scotland. Some businesses have already made the advance decision to close during the peak of the storm. For businesses that are remaining open, this means preparing for potential disruptions, including damage to buildings, power cuts, and significant travel delays.
Key Steps for Hospitality Businesses During the Storm
As the storm hits, it is essential to focus on immediate actions to protect your employees, customers and operations.
Looking After Colleagues and Customers: Encourage a supportive environment by checking in on colleagues and guests regularly. Provide a comfortable and safe space for everyone to stay during the storm. Offer warm drinks and snacks to keep morale high and ensure everyone feels cared for. If you have any vulnerable customers or colleagues, please ensure that you check-in with them regularly.
Guest Communication: Inform your guests about the potential for power outages and provide them with safety instructions. Ensure that all emergency exits are clearly marked and accessible. Consider contacting guests with upcoming reservations to warn them about the storm and offer to rebook or credit them for a future visit date
Travel Safety: Advise employees to avoid travel during the red warning period. If travel is necessary, ensure they are prepared for hazardous conditions and potential delays. Provide guidance on safe travel routes and emergency contacts.
First Aid Preparedness: Verify that first aid kits are fully stocked and accessible. Consider having trained first aiders on-site or on-call if necessary. Ensure that emergency contact numbers are readily available to all staff.
Regular Updates: Keep employees informed with regular updates on the storm’s progress and any changes to safety protocols or business operations. Encourage staff to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary risks.
Food Safety: If the electricity supply is affected, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if unopened, and a full freezer will maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours. Consider using coolers with ice packs for perishable items if the power outage is prolonged.
Reducing Deliveries: To minimise waste and manage inventory, consider reducing or postponing deliveries of perishable goods. Communicate with your suppliers to adjust delivery schedules and prioritise essential items.
Backup Power: Check that your back-up generator is operating correctly.
Emergency Lighting: Have a supply of battery-operated lights, flashlights, and extra batteries on hand.
Water Supply: Ensure you have an adequate supply of bottled water for both guests and staff. If the water supply is disrupted, this will be essential for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Sanitation and Hygiene: Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene to prevent the spread of illness. Ensure that hand sanitizers are available throughout the property and that restrooms are regularly cleaned and stocked with necessary supplies.
Using Social Media for Updates: Utilise social media platforms to provide real-time updates to your customers regarding any impacts on your operations. This can include information about closures, changes in service, and safety instructions. Social media is a powerful tool for keeping your customers informed and maintaining trust during a crisis.
Considering Whether to Stay Open: Evaluate the safety of staying open during the storm. If the risks to employees and customers are too high, consider closing temporarily. Prioritise the well-being of everyone involved. Follow guidance from local authorities and emergency services. If they advise closure or evacuation, comply promptly to ensure everyone’s safety. Clearly communicate any decisions to close or adjust operations to both employees and customers. Use multiple channels to ensure the message is received promptly.
keep up to date
UK: Weather warnings – BBC Weather // https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2025-01-24
Republic of Ireland: https://www.met.ie/
Post-event: Once the storm has passed and once safe to do so, ensure that the exterior of the property is checked to ensure that there has been no damage such as dislodged tiles or fallen trees. Cordon off these areas so that the are safe for colleagues and customers. Also take the opportunity to review the plans that you put in place so that you are prepared for future events. By taking these steps, hospitality businesses can help protect their employees and minimise the impact of Storm Éowyn. Stay safe and prepared as we navigate through this challenging weather
