What kind of insurance risks would your campground or RV park face in a fire, flood or other emergency situation?
Chris Hipple, vice president of Leavitt Recreation & Hospitality Insurance, recently answered these and other questions during a webinar organized by the Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO).
Hipple’s presentation highlighted the importance of preparing written emergency response plans that provide detailed instructions on how park staff should handle a variety of emergencies, from slip-and-fall accidents to falling tree limbs to manmade disasters, such as chemical spills and natural disasters. Plans should also provide guidance to staff in the event of intentional crimes, civil disturbances and other incidents at the park.
Hipple said the plan should include the appointment of a “plan coordinator” and “business management team” to handle every aspect of every crisis. Such plans should also be developed in coordination with local authorities, particularly covering topics such as emergency evacuations that could be necessary in emergency situations.
Shari Duke, property management for Northlake Village RV Park in Roanoke, Texas, said she liked the fact that her staff could watch the presentation online and “get a refresher” on key risk management topics from an insurance risk perspective.
TACO will feature the topic of emergency preparedness in the Updated TACO Legal Handbook, coming out this fall, once dues collection and the 2023 TACO guide production are completed.
TACO’s next webinar is scheduled for 10 am Central Time, Tuesday, Oct. 11, and will provide park operators with a preview of TACO’s activities leading up to the 2023 legislative session in Texas. Webinar speakers will include Ron Hinkle, TACO’s legislative consultant; Randall Dally, TACO’s president; and Brian Schaeffer, TACO’s executive director and CEO.
TACO members can sign up to watch the presentation at tacomembers.com.
TACO’s next Spring Meeting and Trade Show is scheduled for April 25-26, 2023, in Conroe, Texas. For more information, visit https://tacomembers.com/.