If you run a hotel, you must make safety and security a top priority. There are numerous safety and security procedures you can put in place to help keep your guests safe. Here are some of the most effective safety and security measures for hotels:
Keep the Property Well Lit
One of the simplest and most effective ways to deter crime is to keep your property well lit. Install bright lights in all common areas, hallways, parking lots, and any other areas guests may frequent. This will not only help guests see where they are going, but it will also make it more difficult for criminals to hide.
Hire Security to Keep Guests Safe
Another way to keep guests safe is to hire security personnel. Security guards can help deter crime and can also respond quickly in the event of an emergency. Staff a few security guards on each shift and position them in strategic locations around the property.
Install Security Systems
Installing a security system is another great way to deter crime and keep guests safe. Security systems can be used to monitor all activity on the property and can help law enforcement quickly identify potential threats. Some common security features for hotels include surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and alarms.
Utilize Modern and Digital Key Cards
Gone are the days of physical keys. These days, most hotels use digital key cards to unlock guest rooms. Key cards are much more secure than traditional keys and can be quickly deactivated if lost or stolen. Additionally, key cards can be programmed to allow access to specific areas of the property and can be used to track guest activity.
For even more security, you can provide guests with mobile key cards that can be used to unlock their rooms via a smartphone app.
Keep Wi-Fi Password Protected
Most hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests. However, it’s important to make sure that your Wi-Fi network is password protected. An unsecured Wi-Fi network can give criminals access to your guests’ personal information, including credit card numbers and home addresses. For additional security, give each guest a unique password for their room.
Maintain Face-To-Face Check-In
In order to deter crime, it’s important to maintain a face-to-face check-in policy. This means that guests must show ID and provide a credit card for incidentals in order to check into their room. This policy will help you keep track of who is on the property and will make it more difficult for criminals to gain access to guest rooms.
Have an Emergency Response Plan
In the event of an emergency, it’s important to have a plan in place. Make sure all staff members are aware of the emergency procedures and assign someone to be in charge of each aspect of the response. Additionally, it’s a good idea to practice your emergency response plan on a regular basis.
Regulate Entrances
In order to deter crime, it’s important to regulate who has access to your property. Guests should only be able to enter through the main entrance and all other doors should be kept locked. Staff members should have key cards that grant them access to specific areas of the property. For additional security, you can install turnstiles or security gates at entrances.
Provide Staff With Wearable Panic Buttons
In the event of an emergency, it’s important that staff members have a way to quickly call for help. Panic buttons can be worn by staff members and can be used to notify security immediately of an emergency. Additionally, some panic buttons can also be used to trigger alarms or lock doors.
Get Information on Guest Vehicles That Will Be in the Parking Lot
When guests arrive, get information on their vehicles. This will help you keep track of who is on the property and will also help you identify any suspicious vehicles. Additionally, this information can be used to quickly locate guests in the event of an emergency.
Do Extensive Background Checks on All Staff Members
You don’t just have to worry about criminals sneaking onto your property. You also have to worry about the potential for staff members to commit crimes. That’s why it’s important to do extensive background checks on all staff members. This will help you weed out any individuals who have a history of criminal activity.
Final Thoughts
Safety and security should be a top priority for any hotel. By following the tips above, you can help deter crime and keep your guests safe.