The Risks of Falling INN Love

Love is in the air! ‘Tis the season of romantic getaways and Galentines retreats at your inn. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the chocolate hearts, dozens of roses and the dim glow of candles, keep in mind that hazards do not take a day off. Don’t let the spirit of Valentine’s Day steal your attention from these major risks.

Don’t Fall into the ER

Because of the high number of individuals entering and exiting the premises, liability exposures are significant, and when injuries occur at your business, you could be held responsible. Accidents related to slips, trips, falls, swimming pools, balconies, and unauthorized access to your building are common and major sources of concern. Something as simple as a wet floor or an uneven surface can lead to costly insurance claims following an incident.

Light the (Flameless) Spark

There is nothing quite like the glow of candles. They set the mood and completely transform spaces. Unfortunately, real candles pose a few problems. They put you at high risk for a fire. Not only is fire a big concern, but hot wax-coating objects can also be extremely dangerous.

Flameless candles are a safe choice when trying to spark the mood at your inn. Here are just a few of the benefits of switching to them:

• Longer Lasting
• No Fire Risk
• No Melting
• Easy to Light (turn on/off)

In the past, flameless candles looked nothing like real candles. Now, there are so many options and realistic flameless candles. The secret behind finding a good is getting ones that have moving wicks. Up close, you will see a little piece of plastic balancing on a thin wire to give it a real flame effect.

Turn Up the Heat

As delightful as fireplaces are, keep an eye on the little things to avoid getting burned!

• Keep it clear. Clear out any debris from the fireplace and keep all flammable items like furniture, blankets and papers a safe distance away at all times.
• Start the fire safely. Never burn charcoal or use lighter fluids to light the fire at your inn, as they can cause deadly fumes and the potential for explosion.
• Don’t overload the fire. Overloading—which entails putting in more wood, paper and other ignitable materials in the fire than necessary—can overheat the walls or roof of the property. Be sure to avoid this dangerous practice.

Be sure to take extra precautions to keep your guests from potential fireplace hazards. Take time to test your smoke and CO detectors as part of your regular post-stay property inspection. Batteries for these devices should be changed every six months and CO detectors need to be replaced every five years. You’ll be able to detect fire hazards as fast as possible and minimize property damage

Be in Love with Food Safety

It is no secret that the stomach is the way to the heart. Allow your guests to be smitten with each other by enjoying the simple presence of each other’s company with a gourmet meal. However, food liability can be a considerable concern. The potential for food poisoning, contamination, injury, spoilage and allergic reactions is ever-present, making continued guest safety a challenge.

Fall INN Love with CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance

Don’t let the spark of a relationship, be the spark that ends in a claim. We don’t know what’s next for us, but whatever it is, we can’t wait. If you want to get serious and take our relationship to the next level, connect with a team member at CBIZ Innkeeper Insurance to learn more.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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