Lessons Learned: Reflections on Surviving the Ice Storm and Preparing for Future Emergencies.

Iván DE DIOS
2 min readApr 11, 2023

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The Easter weekend 2023 started off dark for hundreds of thousands of people in Montreal as an ice storm caused power outages, and unfortunately, resulted in the loss of life.

A fallen tree after an ice storm left more than a million customers without power in Quebec.
When nature strikes: A fallen tree from the storm caused significant damage to this car, serving as a reminder of the power of Mother Nature.

After a storm that causes power failure and affects Montreal residents, it’s important to take a step back and assess how it also affects hosts in Short Term Rentals (STR) and Long Term Rentals (LTR). There are several positive actions that hota can learn and retain from this experience:

  1. Preparation for emergencies: One positive action that can be taken is to learn how to prepare for emergencies. This includes having a backup power source, such as a generator or solar panels, to ensure that guests have access to basic necessities during a power outage.
  2. Communication with guests: It is important to communicate with guests during a power outage to keep them informed and address any concerns they may have. This can help to build trust and improve the overall guest experience.
  3. Flexibility and adaptability: During a storm or power outage, it is important to be flexible and adaptable. This may mean making changes to reservations or providing alternative accommodations, if necessary.
  4. Empathy and understanding: It is important to be empathetic and understanding towards guests who may be impacted by a power outage. This can help to build positive relationships and increase the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat bookings.
  5. Resilience and perseverance: After a storm or power outage, it is important to be resilient and persevere through any challenges that may arise. This can help to overcome obstacles and continue to provide quality service to guests.
Nature’s Winter Wonderland: A tree adorned in a glittering coat of ice after the ice storm, creating a magical and enchanting sight.
Ice Storm
Nature’s artwork: A car covered in a thick layer of ice after the ice storm, creating a stunning yet treacherous spectacle.

Note: If you have any questions or need help dealing with issues related to reservations due to power outages, please reach out to your local Airbnb group leader for proper guidance.

You’re invited to earn money as an Airbnb host. Here’s my invitation link to learn more: referral link.

Happy hosting,
Ivan+Maggie

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