Airbnb shares safety tips, disaster policies ahead of peak hurricane season
As Puerto Rico moves into the height of what forecasters expect to be an above-average hurricane season, Airbnb has outlined steps it says are intended to help hosts and guests prepare for severe weather.
The company said the measures include safety guidance developed with the global health organization Americares, changes to cancellation policies for weather-related disruptions and temporary housing options through Airbnb.org, its nonprofit arm.
“Reliable information is essential during hurricane and wildfire season,” said Raychel Gary, Airbnb’s director of disaster response. “Through easily accessible resources and our partnership with Americares, our goal is to help hosts and guests plan and feel prepared while enjoying their summer travels.”
The guidance, available in more than 60 languages, is aimed partly at travelers who may be unfamiliar with local emergency protocols, the company said.
“Extreme weather events can happen without warning, so it’s critical to be prepared,” said Nathaniel Matthews-Trigg, Americares’ director of climate and disaster resilience for the Americas.
Airbnb is advising hosts to post emergency information — such as shelter locations, maps and local contact numbers — in a visible location. The company also recommends seasonal maintenance, preparing emergency kits, trimming trees and clearing drainage systems.
Hosts are encouraged to add weather-related guidelines to listings, enable flexible cancellation policies and use the platform’s messaging tools to keep guests informed during forecasted storms.
Under its major disruptive events policy, Airbnb may allow penalty-free cancellations in areas under evacuation orders or experiencing significant service outages.
Airbnb.org connects displaced residents and emergency workers with free or discounted temporary housing. In the past year, it has offered support in the United States after wildfires in Oklahoma and California, flooding in the Midwest and hurricanes in the Southeast. Participating hosts are not charged service fees and are covered under Airbnb’s AirCover protection.
Other safety resources, the company said, include a 24-hour emergency support line, in-app access to local emergency services in more than 70 countries and educational materials for hosts and travelers.
