Natural Disasters

Last updated: 16 December 2015

Are you ready for the storms ahead?


Keep your people prepared and productive

Tsunamis, floods and forest fires happen all too often, as do earthquakes, hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Global organisations consider their business travellers and expatriates are at medium risk of hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis whilst on assignment. 


The frequency and severity of natural disasters have led to unprecedented destruction. As well as the tragic cost to human life, businesses in the affected areas have suffered too. Such events will inevitably happen again and businesses must be prepared – for the sake of their people and their own survival.


Flooded street


International SOS is playing a leading role in providing specific advice and support for medical and security risks, no matter where your people are. Our specialist teams are working around the clock to keep your employees protected and business moving.


  • Assess and understand the risks of exposure at your destination: We analyse and evaluate any location you are sending your employees to and recommend measures that help mitigate risks.
  • Around the clock access for your travellers to specific local advice: Our qualified doctors and security specialists are there for your employees, no matter what, where or when.


Achieve your goals and avoid loss of time and productivity by preparing your employees for travel and supporting them when they are in unfamiliar and remote locations. We help to keep your people healthy and safe, so you can focus on your core business activities.


Staff looking at location on map


FURTHER INFORMATION

We keep you and your travellers up to date with what is happening in every country you operate in, or where staff travel to. Major natural disasters are widely reported in the media but many other bad weather events happen which can disrupt your plans. Our alerts keep you fully informed of the latest developments, including changes in risk status. 


Business travellers in unfamiliar locations may not be able to readily appreciate what is happening if the weather suddenly worsens or if public forecasts are issued. Our 24/7 Assistance Centres can offer practical advice in a language they understand. 


Keeping track as events unfold

Not all events escalate to an evacuation. We help you assess the seriousness of the event and decide what to do – balancing the need for safety with the costs of unnecessary cancellations and evacuations caused by overreacting. This might involve offering reassurance to your expatriate population, or helping business travellers get around an unfamiliar area. Or, we can assist your people find alternative modes of transport as well as food, water, medications and any other support they need.

We can also help see at a glance exactly where your employees are and communicate with them to check they are well. This service can include getting them to ‘check in’ at designated times – balancing your peace of mind with respect for their privacy. 


Assistance as needed

Our Assistance Centres offer immediate access to our medical and security experts. If a situation escalates you can be assured of our full support, from dealing with minor injuries to full evacuations. We also offer trauma counselling after the event. 


Meanwhile all your communications and actions taken can be automatically recorded so you can check compliance with your travel risk policies.