International SOS, a leading global provider of medical assistance, healthcare and security services, announced it is providing medical, security and evacuation advice to clients who have employees based in Chile with its joint venture partner, Control Risks, one of the world's leading security risk management consultancies.
Since the earthquake struck Chile on February 27, 2010, International SOS has provided ongoing counsel to more than 50 organizations by providing critical advice that helped them enact their emergency response plans and decide next logical steps for their international business travelers and expatriates. Call volume increased moderately over the weekend at the International SOS alarm center in Philadelphia so additional staff was added to assist travelers and their families who sought medical, safety or logistical advice.
In the majority of cases, international business travelers and expatriates have safely self-evacuated out of the devastated area of Concepción to the country's capital, Santiago. Others have opted to leave Concepción via bus to Mendoza, Argentina, where travelers can access commercial flights home.
"When an earthquake or other natural disaster hits an area, we immediately collect intelligence, confirm events and then give advice to organizations as well as business travelers and expatriates on recommended next steps," says Suzanne Garber, Chief Operating Officer, Americas, International SOS. "Clients who had well-defined emergency response plans had their employees self-evacuate to non-affected areas or travel to a nearby airport. At International SOS we work with companies before a crisis to ensure their emergency response plans are in place so everyone is prepared and organized to make the best decisions for their organizations and global workforce. In this instance, most travelers have opted to continue their business in Santiago or wait for the capital city's airport to reopen which is expected to take place within the next 24 to 48 hours."
International SOS with Control Risks has deployed security specialists to Concepción to support any special requests and are expected to be in the area for at least 10 days.
"Some business travelers have called the International SOS alarm center to find transportation options to Mendoza based on their destination and in some cases we've directed them to a viable bus service or booked hotels or their commercial flights back home to help alleviate some of the stress this type of disaster naturally brings about," said Garber. "And some just call for reassurance to verify that they are making the most logical and safe choices. These travelers are very much so showing a duty of loyalty and it's encouraging that they are doing so."
Here is the current travel advice that was sent to organizations and its travelers in Chile:
- Companies and organizations with staff operating in Chile (particularly in the central area of the country between Santiago and Puerto Montt should account for personnel.
- Clients should defer all non-essential travel to affected areas, including Concepción and Santiago. The airports in both cities are currently not operating. SCL in Santiago is expected to reopen in the next 24 hours; it is not yet known when Concepción Airport (CEP) will reopen.
- Personnel on essential business should carefully consider their need to travel to the affected areas of Chile, given the operational difficulties they are likely to encounter. Travelers should liaise closely with local sources prior to making a decision to deploy and travel should only be undertaken with careful planning.
- At this time, it is not necessary to evacuate staff already in Chile; however, personnel in severely affected areas close to the epicenter should consider relocating to other parts of the country, as there will be significant disruption to infrastructure and business in the coming days. Movement should only be undertaken after careful planning and if it is clear that there will be no risks to safety.
- Aftershocks are a normal and expected occurrence. Although they are usually less powerful than the initial earthquake, they can be strong enough to cause further damage to already weakened structures.
- During a blackout, only use a torch (flashlight) for emergency lighting. Never use candles, matches or lighters. Turn off electrical equipment that was on when the power went out. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to the electrical system of a house.
- When power is restored, make sure that there are no gas leaks before operating light switches.
- Be alert to the dangers posed by structural damage to buildings and bridges.
- Be aware that routes may be blocked by debris or subject to closure by the authorities with no notice. Travelers should be confident in their driver and vehicle and carry enough fuel to complete their return journey.
- Reconfirm your flight as airports may have been affected and might still be closed if damage to the airport buildings, infrastructure or runway has occurred.
- Communications remain very difficult. Some reports indicate that text messaging (SMS) offers the highest chance of success; email and social networking sites may also be effective.
About International SOS
Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com/) helps organizations manage the health and security risks facing their travelers and international expatriates. Using its worldwide network of alarm centers, clinics, and over 60,000 health and logistics providers, the company offers local expertise, preventative advice, and emergency assistance during critical illness, accident, or civil unrest. International SOS provides medical and security information services, medical consulting, staffing support, occupational healthcare, and healthcare management services globally. In 2009 the company handled over 1,200,000 cases, including nearly 18,000 evacuations. International SOS works in partnership with businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations and currently provides key services to 87 percent of the Fortune Global 100 companies. Working in some of the most inhospitable places on earth, International SOS offers international standards of medical care where it is not available or where cultural and language barriers exist.
About Control Risks
Control Risks (http://www.controlrisks.com/) is one of the world's leading global business risk consultancies. As a trusted adviser to almost three quarters of the Fortune Global 500, we enable our clients to succeed in complex and hostile environments. We provide the information, advice and practical support they need to manage the political, security and integrity risks that come with doing business internationally.
Media Contact information:
Erin Giordano
Marketing Communications Director
International SOS
+1-267-242-0875 (mobile)
+1-215-942-8078 (office)
Erin.giordano@internationalsos.com
Meghan Moran
Fleishman-Hillard
+1- 202-828-5068 (office)
+571- 214-5792 (mobile)
meghan.moran@fleishman.com
Sara Bracceschi
Senior Marketing Manager
Control Risks
+ 1-202-449-3359 (office)
+ 1-202-531-1118 (mobile)
Email: sara.bracceschi@control-risks.com
