The guests staying at your hotel expect exceptional service, comfort, and a high sense of security. Ensuring the safety of all your hotel’s guests must be of utmost importance, which means it is imperative to do regular assessments of ways to improve security measures. Maximizing your hotel’s safety will safeguard your guests’ wellbeing, protect valuable property, and maintain your establishment’s reputation.
If you are wondering how you can improve your hotel’s safety, look no further. As the COO of DUSAW smart locks for hotels and other commercial buildings, I have identified many often-overlooked ways to significantly enhance hotel security. Here are 16 steps to maximize the safety in your property:
Upgrade Your Room Doors
Are your hotel’s doors older or made of cheaper materials? Doors that are older or have a subpar construction are more vulnerable to forced entry by intruders. So it would be wise to upgrade to doors with a solid core construction and the highest quality deadbolt locks. Also, add a secondary locking mechanism, like a slide bolt, for an extra layer of protection.
Old-School-But-Effective: Peepholes & Secure Viewers
While hotels are now filled with smart cameras, video doorbells, and many other security options, one back-to-basic security measure that’s still very useful is installing peepholes or secure viewers. They provide a simple way to see who is outside before opening the door. Also, they are easy to install and inexpensive.
Install Better Lighting in Public Areas
Great lighting in public areas not only creates a welcoming environment in a hotel, but also it is a crucial safety measure to prevent hazards and crime. Well-lit lobbies, hallways, stairwells, entrances, corridors, and parking lots deter intruders, reduce the risk of accidents, and provide a sense of security for guests. Regularly check all of the light bulbs to ensure none are burnt out or flickering.
Display Signage That Alerts Guests to Security Cameras
Sometimes just knowing they are being watched and monitored can be a powerful deterrent for criminals. So place security cameras in key areas throughout your hotel and prominently post signage that informs guests of their presence. Place these cameras and signs in high-traffic zones of your hotel, such as hotel entrances, exits, lobbies, corridors, reception area, elevators, and parking lots.
Upgrade to a Key Card Security System
Is your hotel still using traditional old-school key locks? Physical keys can be easily lost or stolen and are vulnerable to duplication, which can give criminals easy access to rooms. And replacing one of these keys means changing the entire lock, which is expensive and time-consuming. So it would be wise to upgrade to a key card security system.
A key card is a credit card-sized security system that grants access to hotel rooms and other hotel facilities. The encrypted RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) key cards can be deactivated if lost or stolen to avoid unauthorized access.
Maintain Elevator Access Control
If your hotel uses a smart key card system, integrate your hotel’s elevators into the system to restrict access to certain floors. This advanced access control system will ensure that only guests who possess a valid key card can travel to designated areas within the hotel. Through limiting the floor access to authorized guests, you can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted entry and intrusions. This will help protect your guests while also fostering a sense of exclusivity and privacy.
Schedule Regular Safety Trainings for Staff
A well-trained hotel staff is vital for maintaining a safe and secure environment for both guests and hotel team members. Ensure your entire staff is well aware of all of the hotel’s security protocols and are prepared enough to identify potential safety hazards. It would be wise to schedule regular staff safety trainings to keep your team up to date on ways to recognize suspicious behavior, monitor security risks, and respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
Always Keep Emergency Exits and Evacuation Routes Clear
It is vital to regularly inspect emergency exits and evacuation routes to ascertain that they are always unobstructed, well-lit, and easily accessible at all times. If an emergency arises, clear pathways will help ensure a swift evacuation. Just as important is making sure that every staff member is thoroughly trained and familiar with every exit route. This will allow them to act quickly and efficiently to guide guests to safety while minimizing panic.
Regularly Inspect Fire Safety Equipment
If a fire broke out in your hotel, the last thing you would want is your sprinkler system to malfunction or to realize your extinguishers were expired and no longer work. So regularly maintain and inspect all of your hotel’s fire safety equipment to ensure that it’s working properly. This equipment includes smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers. Doing so will keep your guests safe and minimize property damage in the event of a fire.
Make Sure All Windows Are Secure
Oftentimes, windows are overlooked as a potential security risk, but it is pertinent to check that there are no vulnerabilities. Regularly inspect all of your hotel’s windows to make sure they are secured and in proper working condition. Consider installing additional security measures, such as shatterproof glass, window restrictors, or reinforced frames to prevent unauthorized access and break-ins. These proactive steps will help protect both your guests and staff from security breaches.
Bolster Your Visitor Check-In Procedure
Your hotel’s guests may have visitors, so it is crucial to establish a process to properly check and document all visitors. Each visitor should be issued a visitor pass that identifies them as authorized guests. This check-in procedure should be clear, consistent, and well-communicated to staff and all guests. Doing so will prevent unauthorized access to your property and help foster a safe environment.
Implement the Use of Panic Buttons for Staff
Panic buttons are a critical component of a hotel’s security infrastructure, as they provide a fast and effective way for staff to alert security and emergency responders about dangerous situations. A panic button device is particularly helpful for any staff members working in more isolated areas of the property, like those working on maintenance and housekeeping. If a robbery, security breach, or another high-risk situation were to occur, a panic button would discreetly summon for help without alerting the aggressor.
Upgrade Your Room Safes
Are the safes in your guest rooms older and outdated? They can be vulnerable to break-ins and theft. So it is important to install secure, spacious, high-quality, and robust room safes to enhance guest security and peace of mind. Modern, reliable safes will allow guests to keep their jewelry, passports, and other valuables protected during their stay. Encourage guests to use these safes to minimize the risk of theft and amplify your hotel’s reputation for security.
Conduct Regular Safety Audits
Schedule regular internal safety audits to identify and address any potential security vulnerabilities in your hotel. Use these audits to check physical security measures like locks, surveillance systems, and access points, as well as operational aspects like staff training, emergency procedures, and guest protocols. These safety audits will give you and your staff a proactive approach to pinpoint and fix any weaknesses before real safety problems arise.
Schedule Frequent Daily Staff Walkthroughs
It is always better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to your hotel’s safety. So schedule regular, frequent staff walkthroughs throughout the hotel each day to ensure that safety measures are being followed. These walkthroughs will help team members identify potential security risks, such as broken locks, unsecured doors, and tripping hazards. Hotel staff will also be able to ascertain that all public areas are well lit, reducing the risk of criminal activity.
Promote Security Awareness to Guests
Letting your guests know about security measures will help them stay as safe as can be. So provide clear, easy-to-comprehend information on safety procedures during check-in or in their welcome packets. This information can include details about emergency exits, how to lock doors and windows, how to use room safes, and who to contact in case of an emergency. By informing guests about critical safety measures, you will empower them to take an active role in their own security. This will give them greater peace of mind and help create a safer, more reassuring environment during their stay.
Final Thoughts
Hotel guests expect relaxation, comfort, and safety during their stays. So striking the perfect balance between excellent customer service and top-notch safety measures is vital for the success of your establishment. By regularly monitoring and updating your hotel’s security tactics, you will create a safe and enjoyable experience for your guests. This in turn can help you bolster customer loyalty, repeat business, and the overall success of your hotel.
