When hurricane season hits, coastal hotels face one of their biggest challenges - flooding. For JW Marriott Hotels in Clearwater, Florida, flood protection isn’t just a precaution, it’s a necessity. When the hotel management contacted us for a solution, one of our top priorities was to flood proof doors with custom panels. 

At Flood Risk America, we specialize in protecting coastal properties, from luxury condos to large resorts. We know that every location has its own unique flood risks, so we create tailored solutions after we complete a consultation of the property. 

Without the right flood protection, hotels like JW Marriott could have faced serious damage and costly disruptions during the 2024 hurricane season. Instead, they were prepared with custom flood panels and flood proof doors - and it made all the difference.

Different Types of Flood Proof Doors & Entryways for Hotels

Hotels face unique flood risks due to their structure and essential facilities. Most hotels have the following areas that should be flood proofed:

• Elevators - A flooded elevator can dangerously trap people inside.
• Lobby - A compromised lobby can make entry and exit hazardous.
• Parking garages - Flood waters can damage vehicles.
• Mechanical room - Water damage can lead to power outages and short circuits.

Without proper defenses, flood damage can go beyond physical - unhappy guests, lower reputation, and revenue loss with prolonged downtime. To stay operational and protect their guests, hotels require robust flood protection solutions, such as flood proof doors and water barriers. 

How We Created Flood Proof Doors For JW Marriott Hotels

Our approach to creating a flood protection system typically includes the following process:

• Flood Risk Assessment - Our team of flood experts starts with an analysis of the property’s vulnerable entry points, including doors, loading docks, and underground areas. We also look at updated flood maps and the history of flooding around the area.

• Consultation - We work with property management or owners to understand their specific needs, ensuring that our solutions align with their vision and their flood response plans. If we’re working with a tight budget, we of course prioritize the areas that are more prone to flooding. 

• Recommendations - Based on the assessment, we recommended a tailored solution featuring custom flood panels to flood proof doors, entryways, openings, and more. All of our flood protection systems are designed for fast deployment and maximum protection to create a truly flood resilient property.

Installation of Custom Flood Panels to Flood Proof Doors

We provided lightweight, FM-approved flood panels for the JW Marriott Hotel in Clearwater that could be quickly deployed before a storm. These barriers were installed at key entry points to prevent water intrusion.

The Outcome: Complete Flood Protection

When the hurricanes hit, JW Marriott Clearwater was fully prepared. The results were clear:

• No Flood Damage – Not a single drop of water breached the hotel.
• All Floodwater and Debris Stayed Out – The flood panels held strong against rising water and floating debris.
• Business Continuity – The hotel remained open, avoiding costly closures and guest disruptions. The hotel was also able to quickly get back to operations after the storms passed.
• Prepared for the Future – JW Marriott Clearwater now has a flood protection plan in place, ensuring they know exactly how to deploy their flood panels when needed.

Features & Benefits of FRA Flood Panels

When it comes to flood protection, a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective and can continue to leave properties vulnerable to flooding. Even some ‘tailored’ flood solutions out there are limited in their customizability due to their material, design, and make. 

Flood Risk America’s flood panels are extremely customizable and our flood experts work diligently to provide a truly tailored solution. If you’re choosing us to invest in flood protection, our team works hard to make it happen. 

Key features of our flood barriers include:

• Lightweight – Simple to install without heavy lifting.
• Made in the USA – High-quality, American-made engineering.
• Lifetime Warranty – Built to last and withstand multiple storm seasons.
• 24/7 Flood Deployment – Designed for rapid emergency response.
• Easy to Deploy – No tools or complex setup required.
• FM Approved – Certified for reliability and durability.
• Meets FEMA Standards - Exceeds the flood industry’s regulations.
• Recognized by the Insurance Industry - Trusted by insurers and can lower premiums.

For coastal properties, flooding isn’t a matter of if, but when. Hotels need strong, effective solutions to keep their guests safe and their business operational. If your property is in a flood-prone area, contact Flood Risk America today to learn how our custom flood panels can flood proof doors and safeguard your business.

Stay protected. Stay prepared. Stay operational.