Any traveler heading to the Caribbean, Florida or North Carolina’s Outer Banks in the late summer months knows there is the minor risk that their vacation will get blown away by a hurricane. Hotels and airlines typically respond to an impending storm by relaxing their cancellation policies and battening down the hatches to protect the property and guests, but how do destination clubs deal with being in the path of a tropical storm or hurricane?

Last week Hurricane Gustav rattled Jamaica and the Cayman Islands before heading into the Gulf of Mexico, and now the travel industry has its eye on two more storms—Hanna and Ike—that could eventually make landfall in the U.S. after skirting the Caribbean. Destination clubs have more than 750 homes around the world and some 20 percent of those properties are located in areas at risk for an Atlantic hurricane (Cabo San Lucas has been in the path of some Pacific hurricanes, as well). In what is shaping up to be an active hurricane season, current and potential destination club members should consider these questions before making their travel plans.

Are there any cancellation penalties?

Like hotels and airlines, destination clubs relax their cancellation policies in the wake of a storm, allowing travelers to cancel trips in the event of a named storm or even cut short their stay without being docked for unused days. “Depending on the weather forecast, our policy is to call these members and work with each individually to facilitate their departure. For members with upcoming trips scheduled, we encourage them to change their travel days, change their flights or cancel a reservation and receive full credit for their missed vacation days,” said Exclusive Resorts’ spokeswoman Christina Schleicher.

Ahead of Hurricanes Hanna and Ike, Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club contacted a member headed to Hilton Head Island to let them know if they chose not to travel they would receive a full credit for nights. Additionally the club offers help changing any airline tickets if members booked airfare through the club. A member vacationing at the club’s house in Kiawah Island received calls from both Abercrombie & Kent’s members’ services department and the local host, well ahead of the storm.

Who is responsible for preparing the home for a storm?

While a vacation homeowner might have to scramble to secure a home on their own in the wake of a storm (or rely on a local property manager), destination clubs don’t expect their members to be familiar with installing hurricane shutters. For example, the Lusso Collection employs a full-time concierge in each destination that is responsible for any storm preparations. They will even board up the windows if a residence does not have storm shutters. The local host at a Quintess, LRW property acts as the primary on-the-ground contact for the club and is responsible for securing the house or arranging for a third party to come do the work.

Are there emergency supplies in the house if the residence loses water or power?

Ultimate Escapes, for example, stocks all homes that may be subject to a natural disaster with emergency kits that contain food, water and first aid supplies. Before you arrive at a house, especially one at risk for hurricanes, ask what emergency supplies are kept at the house; if you think they’re not sufficient, ask the club to add to the kit.

Can the club order members to evacuate?

Yes, though clubs say most members are eager to leave the area if a major storm is in the forecast. “Members prefer not to spend their vacations riding out hurricanes,” said an Ultimate Escapes spokeswoman. While a club can order a traveler out if there is a local order to evacuate, destination clubs will help members arrange flights or even secure a room at a more protected hotel or resort if they get stuck in the area. Quintess, for one, often handles a member’s entire travel agenda, including flights; this allows the club to easily make last-minute changes to member itineraries.

If air and other services are purchased through the Club, we will assist with rebooking and/or obtaining penalty waivers for our members.

Learn more about joining a destination club by downloading our Decision Guide.