After Harvey, we in FL are looking at the remote possibility of a hurricane, maybe next week. I rent a room in my house in Miami. If a hurricane comes, what do I do with my Airbnb guest? He is in my house for another 3 weeks. If it was me on my own, I would go stay with family further north but I don’t know what to do. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.
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This is something you need to call Airbnb about immediately so they can advise you. They are going through this now in Texas so I’m sure they have advice to share. Let us know what you find out.
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.Try not to be Chicken Little… Wait to think about panicking until hurricane Irma gets at least a few days closer to the Caribbean. By Tuesday of next week the storm will be around Barbados and the entrance to the Caribbean. NOAA will then have a MUCH better handle on where Irma will be going.
Then it may be time to call AirBnb and get their advice. But according to the pros at NOAA, it appears, at this time, as if Irma will pass south of Hispaniola and run ashore somewhere around Nicaragua.
Everyone in Florida should check the National Hurricane Center at least daily during Hurricane Season:
The National Hurricane Center had this to say at 11 AM today:
“The hurricane has turned west-northwestward at about 9 kt. This
motion should continue for the next day or so before a ridge builds
over the central Atlantic Ocean. This ridge should force Irma to
turn westward by the weekend, and west-southwestward early next
week. Guidance continues to trend southward, following the trend of
the ECMWF model starting yesterday. Given the strength of the ridge
and depth of the tropical cyclone, there are no obvious reasons to
discount the anomalous west-southwestward motion seen in most of the
guidance. Little change is made to the track forecast in short
range, but the track is shifted southward and westward at long
range.”
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I know the chances are slim but I want to be prepared. If it does not happen now, it might happen in the future, so it’s information I might as well get now. I am sure others have been in that situation.
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@msague . I think that @KenH is right that this is far too early to worry about this specific guest, but it isn’t too early to plan for your own response.
I would think that you should have a list of emergency numbers, perhaps the number of the maintenance person who would put up the hurricane shudders, instructions on how to store water in the bathtub to flush the toilet, perhaps have some empty water jugs, the station numbers for radio stations that you feel do a good job of reporting, and do people still do this, have a transistor radio with fresh batteries ready in case Florida does have a Hurricane this winter. Also, maps outlining evacuation routes based on the trajectory of a storm could be helpful as well.
This possible hurricane could be your opportunity to get in front of the planning process.
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As a long time resident of FL, I am prepared. I have shutters, a solar-powered radio, flash lights etc. But I would not want to stay in the house for a Cat 3 and above. I would leave even if there is no mandatory evacuation. And then, what do I do about my guest?
@Maggieroni I called Airbnb and they were not much help. They say that I have to talk to my guest and if he wants to stay in the house, he can.
I’m concerned that if something happens to him, he could sue me.
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In this case I would discuss it with your guest and then document it through the Airbnb message system. This would be a natural disaster so I don’t see how you could be sued. If this gets to cat 3 I’m pretty sure you will be forced to evacuate. He can opt to leave early if it looks like you will be in the path. That said, I’m praying that this one won’t hit us. Keep safe!
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When hurricanes have approached Hawaii… usually when it goes on watch status, you will hear from Air with instructions and options. It may be best to recommend your guest go to a shelter. But don’t do anything yet.
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@msague I would make sure it is on the messages so in case things are disputed later, they will be on record. Airbnb LOVES all conversations being recorded.
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Hi Michelle
Just thinking of you and hoping you are ok. You were certainly right to be worried. Our thoughts are with you.
️
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@Maggieroni Thank you! Just to update, Airbnb was no help. never gave guidance. My guest, a student at the university, decided to go home until they reopen. His car is in my garage. I evacuated and don’t know when I’ll return. I am having second thoughts about letting him keep the car in the house.
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Don’t worry about the car, his auto insurance should cover it. Thanks so much for being in touch. Keep us posted and stay safe. 
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