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Emergency Preparedness and Response Resources

Emergencies can happen at any time. Severe weather, flooding, fires, power outages, water disruptions, public health incidents and other unexpected events can affect your employees, guests and business operations.

Preparation can make the difference between a prolonged closure and a safe, efficient recovery. NCRLA is here to help members prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies with expert guidance, practical resources and connections to the appropriate state and local agencies.

Expert Support for NCRLA Members

One of the most valuable benefits of NCRLA membership is access to our expert concierge support. Whether you need help developing an Emergency Operations Plan, navigating Health Department requirements, addressing food safety concerns, understanding ABC permit issues or connecting with the right state resources, our team is ready to assist.

NCRLA members receive access to resources covering:

  • Emergency preparedness checklists
  • Emergency Operations Plan templates
  • Business continuity and recovery planning
  • Food and water safety
  • Lodging operations
  • Disaster assistance programs
  • Critical emergency contacts
  • Timely updates during emergencies

Expert Guidance. Practical Resources. Trusted Support.

Start Here

These resources provide a strong starting point for developing or reviewing your business’s emergency procedures.

Develop an Emergency Operations Plan

An Emergency Operations Plan helps your business respond to power outages, water disruptions, severe weather and other unexpected events while protecting employees and guests.

Carolyn Griffin, NCRLA’s Food Safety and Lodging Regulations Specialist, can work directly with members to develop customized plans that address local requirements.

Request Emergency Operations Planning Assistance

Keep Employees and Partners Informed

Maintain current contact information for employees, vendors, property managers, utility providers and other critical partners. Identify an alert or communication system before an emergency occurs and establish who is responsible for providing updates.

Following an emergency, communicate your property’s condition, operating status, scheduling expectations and next steps as quickly as possible.

Coordinate With Emergency Responders

NCRLA works with North Carolina Emergency Management, the governor’s office, Visit NC, convention and visitors bureaus and other public agencies to support impacted communities.

Hospitality businesses may be asked to provide temporary accommodations, feed first responders or support displaced residents. When possible, members are encouraged to consider discounted rates, complimentary services or other assistance appropriate for their operations.

Food and Water Safety

Power outages, flooding, fires and water disruptions can compromise food, drinking water, equipment and food-contact surfaces.

Refrigerated food should generally be maintained at 41°F or below, while frozen food should be maintained at 0°F or below. Discard food or packaging exposed to floodwater, storm debris, smoke, chemicals or other contamination. When food safety is uncertain, follow guidance from your local Health Department.

Food Safety Resources

For food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or contact Carolyn Griffin at cgriffin@ncrla.org.

Lodging Operations During an Emergency

Room Cancellations

NCRLA encourages lodging members to prioritize guest safety and consider waiving cancellation fees during declared emergencies or when travel becomes unsafe.

Existing reservations: Do not retroactively make the cancellation policy more restrictive. Properties should honor the terms communicated when the reservation was accepted.

New reservations: Clearly communicate cancellation and refund terms in writing and verbally when the reservation is made. Evacuation orders, government travel advisories and other circumstances beyond a traveler’s control may affect whether a policy can be enforced.

Consider the potential legal, operational and public relations implications before treating reservations as nonrefundable during a declared emergency. Contact NCRLA or your legal counsel for guidance regarding a specific situation.

Room Pricing and Price Gouging

North Carolina law prohibits businesses from charging unreasonably excessive prices for certain goods and services following a qualifying emergency, disaster declaration or abnormal market disruption.

Courts may impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation. Lodging businesses should document normal room rates, rate changes and additional costs incurred during an emergency.

Pet Policies

NCRLA encourages lodging properties to consider temporarily relaxing pet restrictions when possible to better accommodate evacuees and displaced residents.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program provides short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors when their communities are inaccessible or their homes are uninhabitable.

Loss of Utilities and Habitability

The loss of electricity, water, wastewater service or other essential utilities may affect whether a lodging property can safely accommodate guests. It may also affect cancellation and refund obligations.

Contact local emergency officials, your utility providers, NCRLA and legal counsel when determining whether your property can remain open. Emergency response workers may have different lodging requirements and may be able to assist with temporary or expedited utility services.

Hotel Preparedness

Fire, Flood, Power and Environmental Hazards

Fire Preparedness

Natural Disasters and Flooding

Power Outages

Carbon Monoxide

Generators, grills and other fuel-burning equipment can create deadly carbon monoxide. Never operate this equipment indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.

Business Continuity and Recovery

Emergency Information and Updates

  • Immediate life-threatening emergency: Call 911.
  • Public disaster information and assistance: Call 211 or 888-892-1161, or visit NC 211.
  • North Carolina preparedness and emergency information: Visit ReadyNC.
  • Current road conditions: Visit DriveNC or call 511.
  • Local emergency contacts: Find your County Emergency Management Agency .
  • State emergency updates: Follow North Carolina Emergency Management on X and Facebook.

Contact NCRLA

NCRLA’s team is ready to help members navigate emergency planning, food safety, lodging regulations, government requirements and other issues that may arise.

NCRLA will continue to share timely information, regulatory guidance and recovery resources before, during and after emergencies.

These resources are provided for general informational purposes. Emergency conditions, government orders and regulatory requirements can change quickly. Always follow instructions from emergency responders, public health officials and other government authorities. Consult qualified legal, insurance or regulatory professionals regarding your business’s specific circumstances.