No More Verticle Evacuation in N.O.

[HeeBGBz]

New Orleans hotels won't be open for hurricanes

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/14499004.htm

NEW ORLEANS - Guests and employees will no longer be allowed to ride out hurricanes in New Orleans hotels, the Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association says.

The hotel industry's decision to close for storms this hurricane season comes after thousands of guests were stranded in miserable and dangerous conditions after Hurricane Katrina. Staying in hotels during storms typically has been referred to as "vertical evacuation."

"I don't know of any hotel that intends to do vertical evacuation this year," said Bill Langkopp, executive vice president of the hotel association, which surveyed its members on their storm plans. "Our thrust will be to get the visitors out."

Last year, hotel were exempted from mandatory evacuation orders.

Appears to be more of a CYA thing than a concern for safety. imo.

[TahitiNut]

1. That's why it's called "the hospitality industry."

:eyes:

Besides, it's cheaper than having emergency generators and a freshwater cistern - and counting on government assistance in less than a month. Right?

:puke:

[HeeBGBz]

2. I just wonder legally what the consequences would be

Of allowing your guests to stay over during a storm. What are the reponsibilities of that hotel to provide food, water, supplies after a major catastrophe?

However in dire situation, any shelter should be made available for persons in immediate danger.

[TahitiNut]

3. Well, there's always the Convention Center and the Super Bowl.

:cry:

[HeeBGBz]

4. Yikes. I bet those places have some serious vibe problems

I've gone to several events at the SuperDome, but I don't know how I could go now and have a good time there when I have the faces and images of all the people there needing help imprinted in my mind.