Hotel Association Resources to Learn About Hotel Panic Buttons

For hotels, implementing panic buttons is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and security of their employees. It's not just about compliance with laws and regulations but also about demonstrating a commitment to an employee's well-being.

With so many different hotel panic buttons available on the market, it can take time to understand which solution is best for your property.

To help hoteliers, several hotel associations have put together their dedicated resources for understanding panic buttons and information about any related legislative requirements.

American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

• Staff Alert Device Buyer's Guide (.PDF)
• 5-Star Promise Webinar Series (Videos)

California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA)

• Los Angeles Worker Protection Ordinance Frequently Asked Questions (Webpage)
• Understanding the New City of Los Angeles Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance (PowerPoint)
• Safe Employees, Safe Guests, Safe West Hollywood (Webpage)

Illinois Hotel Lodging Association (IHLA)

• Employee Safety Device Resources (Webpage)

Washington Hospitality Association (WHA)

• Toolkit — Isolated Workers and Panic Buttons (Webpage)
• Questions and Answers: Panic Buttons: Guidance for Employers in the Hospitality Industry (PDF)

A Summary of What Hotels Need to Know About Panic Buttons

1. Understanding Panic Buttons: A hotel panic button allows employees to quickly call for help in a threatening or emergency situation. These wearable devices offer a layer of protection, giving staff peace of mind while performing their duties.
2. Legal Requirements: Some jurisdictions require hotels and similar establishments to provide panic buttons to their employees. It's essential to understand local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
3. Guest Notification: Some panic button laws require hotels to notify guests that panic buttons are in use. Even if notifications aren't required by law in your area, informing guests about this safety measure can enhance your hotel's reputation for caring about employee wellbeing.
4. Selection of System: Not all panic button solutions are created equally. It's important to choose a system that is reliable, easy to use, and responsive. Consider factors like connectivity, battery life, ease of wearing, and the ability to pinpoint location within the hotel property.
5. Training Staff: Once a panic button system has been installed, it's crucial that staff are trained on how to use it effectively. This should include when to use the panic button, how to activate it, and what to expect once it's been activated.
6. System Maintenance: Regular checks and system maintenance are necessary to ensure it's functioning correctly when needed. This might involve checking battery levels, testing the system's response time, and updating software.
7. Addressing False Alarms: There is a possibility of false alarms with any panic button system. Having a plan to identify and address these can save valuable time and resources.
8. Costs Involved: The cost of implementing a panic button system will vary based on the property size, the number of employees, and the type of system chosen.
9. Improving Overall Safety: While panic buttons are an important safety tool, they should be part of a broader approach to employee safety that includes training, policies, and a culture of respect and care.

Getting Started and Learning More about Hotel Panic Buttons

For hotel panic buttons, additional resources are available beyond hotel association guides and FAQs. Additionally, online product reviews and comparison articles can offer insights into the various options on the market, helping you identify which could be the best fit for your property. By harnessing these resources, people can increase their understanding and make informed decisions about implementing hotel panic buttons.

Hoteliers can schedule a free demo with the React Mobile team to have to opportunity to ask any questions and better understand how best to protect their most important asset - their people.