Hotel and Layover Safety
Hurricane Preparedness & Response
If A Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
Hurricane Watch
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area
- Ask the hotel staff what emergency preparations are in place.
- What happens in the event of a power outage?
- Will food and water be available?
- What is the evacuation and transportation plan?
- Ask for a map of the area with the hotel and shelter locations marked.
- Coordinate with your crew. Decide upon a meeting point should an evacuation be necessary. In the event of an evacuation, you may need to count on one another for support.
- Review the locations of the exits and stairwells on your floor. Know where your two nearest exits are in relation to your room.
If A Hurricane WARNING Is Issued
Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warnings indicate that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for important preparation.
- Immediately fill your bathtub with water if the hotel staff has not already done so.
- Keep apprised of the current situation by turning on the local news or a local news radio station.
- Plug in your cell phone to maintain as much of a charge as possible in case of a power outage.
- Lock your valuables (passport, jewelry, computer, etc.) in the in-room safe if one is available.
- Many evacuation shelters will not have amenities available. Assemble a to-go kit with warm clothing, toiletries, medication, eyeglasses, etc. to take with you in the event of an evacuation. If an evacuation becomes necessary, you can place these items inside a pillowcase or the extra bedding bag (located in many hotel closets).
In The Event An Evacuation Is Ordered
- Put on sturdy, closed toe shoes.
- Take your crew ID, cell phone, to-go kit, and a pillow and blanket with you (many shelters do not provide bedding).
- Follow all instructions from hotel staff and emergency personnel.
- Assemble with your crew at your predetermined meeting point. Attempt to locate other Alaska crewmembers and stick together.
- Cell phone service may be intermittent. Notify a family member outside the hurricane area that you’re being evacuated and where you are going.
- Designate one crew member to call Crew Scheduling and let them know that you’re being evacuated and where you are going.