Learn how hotels can protect themselves in the face of 21st-century threats.

With the January attack on a luxury hotel in Kenya and a series of attempted bombing and shootings at major U.S. hotels, those in the hospitality industry have accepted that hotels have become a major target for terrorists and other criminals.  Naturally, this raises questions about what hotels can do to prevent these types of attacks.  Here's how hotels are taking steps to protect their property, liability, and guests. To address their risk, experts recommend that hotels enhance their security efforts and secure insurance to specifically deal with claims that they failed to provide adequate security for their guests.  Additionally, hoteliers are encouraged to minimize the risk of litigation following an attack by implementing the suggestions offered in the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002. The SAFETY Act, administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is a post-9/11 measure enacted by Congress.  This Act allows companies who sell or manufacture security products or services to apply to DHS for legal protection should their security offerings be targeted for lawsuits following an act of terror.  Companies that apply for DHS protections are subject to a careful inspection of their security products or programs to ensure that it is valuable for identifying, preventing, or mitigating a terrorist attack. Those in the hospitality industry can apply for SAFETY Act protection for the security services that they provide at their properties.  These applications can cover internal risk management procedures, security tech purchases, security awareness training, and in-house security staff.  Hoteliers can also secure protection by purchasing SAFETY Act-certified products or hiring SAFETY Act-awarded security providers. Under the SAFETY Act, many hotels can prepare themselves to deal with future attacks and the litigation that follows.  Are you looking to improve the safety and security of your property?  If so, then you might need to make physical upgrades to your building.  For assistance with all your building renovation and construction needs, contact Nikki Fox at Parkwest General Contractors at Nikki@ParkwestGC.com.