The Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES) called for the initiation of security and prevention protocols in each of the country’s hotel complexes, in view of the threat of tropical storm Fiona passing through its territory.
In view of the warnings issued by the National Meteorological Office (ONAMET) and the Emergency Operations Center (COE) of hurricane conditions from Cabo Caucedo to Puerto Plata (San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, La Atagracia, María Trinidad Sánchez, Espaillat, Puerto Plata, Samaná, Hato Mayor, El Seybo and Monte Plata), and Tropical Storm conditions for the rest of the island, ASONAHORES recommended activating, as usual, the emergency committees to carry out the appropriate internal protocols.
Among the recommended measures are: Establish a containment area and shelter for guests in a safer area of the establishment, removal of beach furniture and open areas, decrease or emptying of swimming pools, review of storm drains and electrical lines, removal of customers staying on the beachfront and second floor.
It is also recommended to use the second floor, prepare a kit of non-perishable food and water to prevent guests from leaving their rooms during the storm, and to maintain an internal emergency committee in permanent session and constant communication with the State emergency agencies.
The president of Asonahores, Rafael Blanco Tejera, pointed out that it is important to remain attentive to the reports issued by the authorities. “We are prepared and reactivated the protocols designed and used for this type of eventuality, however we ask our membership to remain alert to the bulletins issued by ONAMET and COE, as well as to strictly follow the recommendations established by our authorities,” he said.
In addition, hotels were asked to communicate with the association in case they have the availability to receive guests who must be transferred for security reasons to other facilities, as well as to report any incident that may arise during the passage of the precipitation.
Asonahores met with the Ministry of Tourism and all the provinces this morning and will meet again this afternoon to follow up on the measures implemented.
