HEALTH & SAFETY
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
WHEN CRISIS STRIKES, ONLY PREPARATION STANDS BETWEEN CHAOS AND CONTROL. DISCOVER HOW YOUR VENUE CAN BUILD SAFETY AND TRUST BEFORE IT’ S TOO LATE.
In the fast-paced world of hospitality and food service, safety often happens quietly behind the scenes. Yet, when something goes wrong, preparedness makes all the difference. From kitchen fires to medical incidents, having a clear and practised emergency plan ensures that both guests and staff stay safe. As Zander Bartmann, General Manager at Fidelity SecureFire, puts it,“ A robust emergency preparedness plan is not just a compliance requirement – it’ s the foundation of guest trust and operational resilience.”
Building a comprehensive plan
Every venue, whether a bustling restaurant or a boutique hotel, needs a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. According to Bartmann, the essentials begin with a risk assessment and prevention strategy.“ Identify hazards such as fire, aggression and natural disasters,” he advises.
Once risks are understood, incidentspecific response procedures come into play. For fire-related incidents, SecureFire operates with first responders, rapid intervention vehicles and full-scale fire engines. Bartmann adds that for other emergencies – whether medical, contamination or security aggression – venues should integrate internal protocols and training measures to ensure coordinated action.
Communication is another crucial piece. A clear communication plan defines who takes charge and how information flows during a crisis. Bartmann recommends that management, staff, security, first aiders and even guests know basic instructions to avoid confusion when seconds matter.
126 TRADE & TASTE / 2026