Peter Schorsch
Vacation rental company Airbnb is out with a list of recommendations to help those heading to the Sunshine State for the run-up to Labor Day have fun while staying safe.
Before diving into the list, Airbnb gave a shout out to Gov. Rick Scott for working with them to help house hurricane evacuees and CFO Jimmy Patronis for his leadership on pool safety.
“Time and again, AirBnB and their hosts have proven an important asset in our state’s emergency response and recovery efforts,” said Wes Maul, director of FDEM. “I’m extremely thankful not only for our continued partnership, but for their dedication to helping Florida’s families.”
The safety tips include recommendations ranging from keeping an outside light on to making sure to practice proper pool safety. Topping the list is a tip that anyone booking something from afar should take to heart: Do your research.
“Just because school’s out, it doesn’t mean you should head out without doing your homework. As you finalize your plans, research your travel route, accommodations, and the local area—and don’t forget to have a backup plan just in case,” the company says.
When it comes to using their platform, Airbnb reminds users that they should always communicate and pay through their service — some unscrupulous hosts may ask guests to wire money or send them their credit card information, but that’s a telltale sign of a scam.
It’s also important, the company says, to give the property a once over before the host leaves. If you need some direction to where things like first aid and fire extinguishers are, reach out to the host. If something seems off, never hesitate to reach out to Airbnb — standing by 24/7 to help with anything from rebooking assistance to refunds or reimbursements.
