A public safety measure requiring new or renovated hotels to post tornado information in every room and common areas passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
The bill, authored by Rep. Denise Crosswhite-Hader (R-Piedmont), heads to the state Senate for its consideration.
Jim Hopper, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association, said his group endorsed the bill because it will “give hotel guests some sense of comfort when they’re in tornado alley.”
Hader said the tornado safety information would be similar to the fire routes hotels and motels already post in rooms and at elevators. Hopper said he’s sure hotels and motels will bear a “minimal” cost in posting the information.
“I just don’t know what that will be,” he said.
A representative at Lawton’s Hilton Garden Inn said guests and employees are taken to the event center when tornadoes are forecast, and emergency exits and information are posted throughout the facility at all times.
Meanwhile, Hampton Inn General Manager Ken Khan said the hotel has information instructing guests to head to the lobby area in case of a tornado warning. At that time, staff members lead the guests to pre-designated tornado safe rooms. However, more detailed information is not available.
Under House Bill 1748, the tornado safety information, provided by the state Board of Health, would include the county, the hotel’s location on a state map, recommended safety precautions, and the day and time of local tornado siren testing.
Hader said HB 1748 was suggested to her by a constituent who, while staying in another part of the state, was not able to find information about safety procedures while the county was under a tornado warning.
“This legislation is a prime example of a constituent realizing an issue, bringing it to their legislator and working together to propose a solution,” Crosswhite-Hader said. “In inclement weather situations where every minute makes a difference, House Bill 1748 will help keep traveling Oklahomans and visitors to our state safe and out of harm’s way.”
HB 1748 passed the House 79-2. It now heads to the Senate for consideration where it is authored by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan.
The measure, Garvin said, will help keep visitors to Oklahoma safe and secure.
“It’s about educating people about what they need to do in case of a tornado. This is a great way to educate our guests quickly and easily. It’s always a good practice to have a safety plan,” she said.