Sadly, it would appear that we are still not safe from terrorism and global travel is still a risky business, thanks to the ongoing trend in attacks against civilian targets and locations. It doesn't look as though this is going to change anytime soon, does it?
So, how should business travellers react and what measures should companies sending their employees abroad take to mitigate the effects of any terrorist attack and ensure their staff remain as safe as possible?
Joseph Frederick, Head of Political Risk and Analysis at Anvil, makes the following suggestions:
- Stay well-informed of the security environment and the threats, both current and future, and maintain heightened awareness;
- Monitor local media or use an intelligence alert service to keep apprised of any regional and local developments that may impact travel and operations;
- Maintain high levels of situational awareness and stay away from all suspicious objects, vehicles and persons. Report these to the respective authorities;
- When travelling, do not leave luggage unattended;
- Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Plan in advance how to get out of a building, subway, congested public area or traffic;
- Establish and practice communication protocols with your crisis management team and operational hosts;
- Contact numbers for the appropriate embassy or consulate should be carried, and in the event of an incident, travellers should check-in both with work and with the appropriate government;
- During off-duty periods, employees are advised to maintain the same level of situational awareness and risk mitigation protocols;
- Heed the advice and directives of Police officers and other security personnel.
Be alert and stay safe.