As the upcoming hurricane season is expected to be above average and wildfires are becoming more frequent, Airbnb has partnered with Americares to offer guidance to hosts and travelers. These resources are designed to help individuals prepare for the season and provide information on how Airbnb supports its community during extreme weather events.
Raychel Gary, Airbnb’s Head of Disaster Response, emphasized the importance of having reliable information as these seasons begin. “Through easy-to-access resources and our partnership with Americares, we aim to help our hosts and travelers plan ahead and feel prepared as they enjoy their summer trips,” she stated.
Nathaniel Matthews-Trigg, Director of Climate and Disaster Resilience for the Americas at Americares, highlighted the potential risks posed by extreme weather events. “These events can occur with little warning, so it’s critical to be prepared. Storing an emergency kit on your property, following local weather alerts and noting where to shelter in the event of an approaching storm can help keep guests safe,” he explained.
Airbnb has collaborated with Americares on suggested steps that hosts can take to promote safety. These recommendations are available in over 60 languages and are particularly useful for guests traveling from out-of-state who may not be familiar with local information.
Additionally, Airbnb’s Major Disruptive Events policy provides support for those affected by disasters impacting their ability to host or travel. When this policy is enacted due to natural disasters such as evacuation orders or utility outages, it allows eligible cancellations without fees or penalties.
Airbnb.org plays a significant role in disaster response by offering free temporary housing through partnerships with local entities. Over the past year, Airbnb.org has provided assistance during various natural disasters across the United States including wildfires in Los Angeles and Oklahoma, floods in Ohio and Kentucky, as well as Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Southeast.
The organization waives all service fees for these stays while providing free AirCover protection for hosts who open their homes either freely or at a discount through Airbnb.org when responding to a disaster in their area.
In promoting responsible travel and hosting practices wherever their community may go this summer season—Airbnb continues implementing measures aimed at enhancing preparedness among both hosts & travelers alike.
