EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS
BUSINESS ACROSS BORDERS
James Wood, Security Specialist at International SOS and Control Risks,
offers a best practice guide to preparing for emergency evacuations when working abroad.
Globalisation means business travel has become widespread. While this presents significant opportunities for both organisations and employees, it also brings the added challenge of managing the risks that can face a mobile workforce. From petty crime, to medical issues and security incidents, risks that could affect business travelers on their trip can be wide ranging and unexpected. In the most extreme circumstances this may result in employees having to be evacuated. While such emergencies are rare and unpredictable, it is still crucial that businesses and their employees are adequately prepared for it.
BEFORE THE TRIP The starting point for mitigating the need for an emergency evacuation should always be to check the likelihood of an issue or incident that could affect an employees’ destination e.g. a natural hazard or civil unrest. This can help the organisation to decide whether a business trip should be postponed, or enable them to put the relevant support and safety measures in place to ensure that the employee can confidently continue their travel.
Though, of course, the very nature of an emergency means they often happen with little warning. So, there are also a number of things employees should be encouraged to do before they leave, including preparing and carrying a ‘grab bag’ with them. This bag should contain important items, such as their ID/ visa, any prescription medicine, money, and a phone or radio to communicate, and always be kept accessible.
If the employee’s destination is remote, their ‘grab bag’ should also include a torch, first aid kit, a penknife, and some food and water. Before setting of on their business trip, employees should also be advised to always familiarise themselves with their accommodation’s evacuation procedures as soon as they get there.
EMPLOYEE PREPARATIONS Should you as an employee find yourself in a situation where you have to be evacuated from your hotel, remember to get your ‘grab bag’. This means you will not only be able to communicate to get help, but can identify yourself, and have enough money to get to the airport, or to safety. From there follow the instructions and directions given by the hotel staff, as they would be trained for any emergency instances.
It’s also important to bear in mind that there are different types of emergency situations, and the
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actions you take should vary depending on the nature of the emergency. For example, in the case of a fire, the door should be checked for heat by placing the back of your hand against it. If it’s cool, and no smoke can be seen through the spyhole, the door can be opened and you can leave the room.
“The ‘grab bag’ should
contain important items, such as their ID/visa, any prescription medicine,
money, and a phone or radio to communicate.”
If that is not the case, it’s best to stay inside and call the reception or emergency services to let them know your location. Wetting a towel and lining the door with it will help to prevent smoke from entering the room; turning the AC off is important for the same reason. The bathtub can also be filled to douse bedding or curtains in the water; these can then be used to either put out a fire or block any smoke.
At the end of the day, there isn’t anyone who would want to find themselves (or their employee) in a situation where they are being evacuated from a foreign country, but preparation can maximise the potential of a smooth evacuation.
While there is very little that can be done to prevent an emergency situation all together, it’s important that both employers and employees take all the necessary steps to ensure that, should the unlikely occur, they are as prepared as possible to deal with it. Not only will this help employers meet their duty of care, but it will help ensure that any evacuation scenario runs as smoothly as possible for those affected.
www.internationalsos.com
www.tomorrowshs.com
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