made sure that handlers run prior to hostname change as well as a reboot in which the server is rendered inaccessible

init@vps.yml

@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@
       ansible.builtin.include_role:
         name: init-server
         tasks_from: ssh-users
+    - name: Flush handlers
+      ansible.builtin.meta: flush_handlers
     - name: Update hostname
       become: true
       ansible.builtin.hostname:
@@ -39,7 +41,14 @@
       become: true
       ansible.builtin.command:
         cmd: "hostnamectl set-icon-name computer-server"
+    - name: Notifying user that all processes have finished
+      ansible.builtin.debug:
+        msg: All processes finished. Hit enter to reboot machine.
+    - name: Ensuring user has read prior message regarding upcoming reboot
+      ansible.builtin.pause:
     - name: Rebooting machine for hostname change
       become: true
       ansible.builtin.reboot:
-        msg: "Rebooting machine"
+        msg: "Rebooting machine.."
+        connect_timeout: 0
+        test_command: ~