My recent blog and column about two recent hotel “almost” fire alarm experiences in the middle of the night—at the PRIMA and Bermuda Captive Conferences—brought in a number of comments, both on the blog and in the form of e-mails sent to me. A number of people I've spoken to in the course of business also had similar tales to tell.
In my column (National Underwriter, July 6/13) I mentioned that while these events were no reflection on the associations holding the meetings, the organizations should go over a hotel's emergency response and evacuation plans when booking events.
In response, I received a thoughtful e-mail from Lisa Lopinsky, executive director of the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA).
Her comment:
“A quick note regarding your recent Editorial Comment, “A Wake-Up Call.” I couldn't agree with you more and I am sorry that you had to experience chaos during your attendance at the recent PRIMA Annual Conference. I have been in one too many hotels when an alarm was sounded and the hotel staff did not have a clue as to what procedures to follow."
She continued: “I did want to let you know that PRIMA does receive and review a copy of a hotel's emergency plan. My meeting planner brings the plan with her on site. In addition, we make an announcement during the opening general session regarding emergency procedures at the hotel. After reading your column, however, I did realize that in addition to making a verbal announcement to our conference attendees, that we should also print the procedures in our on-site program…which will we do from this point forward.”
Lisa's response is certainly what I had hoped for and I'm happy to say that it looks like PRIMA attendees will see some procedural changes in the future.
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