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Hello, my community. I'm greeting you from Tenerife, Canary Islands, where we are suffering from the effects of the recent forest fires that are devastating the Canary pine forest and the laurel forest surrounding the Teide National Park.
We have had no rain for months, and had to experience long periods of drought. Despite the typically good weather of these islands' usual climate, we are now experiencing the biggest environmental catastrophe in 40 years due to these wildfires. Our island is relatively small, so any event of this nature impacts everything and everyone.
I write this text with a deep sense of sadness. I feel the need to reflect and share aloud on what we, as hosts, can do in such cases of natural disasters that disrupt not only our daily lives but also those of the guests we warmly welcome.
I will share what we have done so far and, without being too exhaustive, moreover I would like to rely on the advice and recommendations of all of you. At the end of the day, everyone's experience and learnings make us more effective in the face of these events:
Importance of guests receiving first-hand information : As soon as I know what is going on, I find it best to take the initiative and let my guests know about the real situation and information, accompanied by official and trusted sources. This helps to ensure that the news does not take them by surprise and they know that we are looking out for them in sharing reliable news. Bear in mind that even if the situation does not directly affect the listing, we know that guests may be concerned (themselves or their families) about the information they read in the press.
Offering viable and safe alternatives to discover the area : I fully consider that guests have planned their holidays in advance and may need to change plans depending on the areas affected. So, I prefer to think realistically of other activities and areas where they can be safe while maintaining their plan for rest and leisure.
Providing information on compromised areas or closed routes : In case there are areas where traffic is closed or other issues are present, I find it extremely important to provide this information to my guests in advance. I make sure to remember that not everyone knows the area as well as I do, and that only I can help them with reliable advice for the situation. The most important thing during a guest’s stay in emergency situations is that they are safe and avoid the affected areas. In our case, here in Tenerife, there are more than 500 people working intensively day and night to quell this fire and avoid any personal damage.
Offering trusted and official channels to find current information : Especially if there is any translation in the respective languages of my guests,I think it becomes convenient for me to point them to official sources for information. In our case, this information is offered on the different official websites and in different languages.
- News portal of the Government of the Canary Islands.
- 1-1-2 Canarias.
- Tenerife Island Council.
- Road information center of the Tenerife Council.
*The island's Tourist Information Office Network has also set up a telephone number to attend to visitors' requests for information in Spanish and English: (+34) 922 255433. Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm (local time). If the information is not translated correctly or it is not accurate, I usually attach the source in the original language and give them a short summary that reflects the most important information and is easy for them to understand.
I try to ensure the safety of guests : If the area where my property is located is compromised, I ensure to be clear with the guests and provide them with assistance. Here’s what I do : Put myself in their shoes and find ways to not expose them to unnecessary risk.
If I am uncertain of what should be done by any chance, I contact the local authorities and listen carefully to their recommendations and steps to follow. Which are then passed to the guests in order to assist them in getting to safety if necessary.
Extenuating Circumstances : In the event of Extenuating Circumstances, Airbnb may activate the mitigating circumstances policy for both guests and potential travelers. This means that bookings may be canceled without penalty. You can read more about Airbnb’s policy here: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/1320 .
Keeping in touch with other local Hosts : As we are all part of a community, I prefer to also get in touch with other Hosts, through Local Clubs, for example, to work together and support each other. In these cases, as so often in life, there is strength in numbers! We can not only share experiences, but also help each other.
Making myself available to the authorities and showing solidarity : It is important to note that, as we are a part of society, we should put our resources at the disposal of those who need them most. For example, here in Tenerife, several Hosts have offered their properties to the authorities in case they have to evacuate residents (or even guests who are in affected areas). In this case, the action is being coordinated through the Asociación Canaria del Alquiler Vacacional (ASCAV) and the authorities, with the participation of the Red Cross.
Please share your experiences on how you deal with such emergencies or if you have any other thoughts to add. I am sure, there is a lot to learn about such situations and that all opinions are valid to be heard, as we all may have varied perspectives.
These two photos were captured by me. In the following link there are more, provided by Canary Radio/TV channel: https://rtvc.es/imagenes-incendio-tenerife/
[Although I am a Host Advisory Board member, these articles are written based on own my personal experiences and opinions as a Host]
