internationalsos.com - Press releases

International SOS responds to Earthquake and Tsunami in North-East Japan and experiences an increase in calls for assistance

21 March 2011

Tokyo

International SOS, the world's leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance, and concierge services company, confirms the International SOS Tokyo alarm center is fully functioning and responding to members throughout Japan in the wake of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck March 11th.


“Soon after the earthquake, our crisis management team in Tokyo was activated along with teams in Singapore, Philadelphia and London in response to the earthquake,” said Michael Hancock, Group General Manager, Worldwide Assistance, International SOS. “We are monitoring the situation carefully and have implemented medical, security, logistics and aviation resources from our global network of 28 alarm centers to provide advice and assistance to clients and members.”


International SOS is helping members with health and travel security advice, ground transport and accommodation, travel arrangements and evaluating evacuation options. International SOS is closely monitoring conditions in Japan, as clients and members seek health and travel security advice and information in the wake of the incidents at the nuclear power stations and oil refineries. 


Members can log on to the dedicated Japan Crisis website, (http://www.internationalsos.com/japancrisis) using their membership number for comprehensive information on the incidents at the nuclear power plants, radiation and risks, iodine prophylaxis, airport status, and more. Additional information on the Japan crisis continues to be available on the members' website in the Medical Alert and Travel Security Online sections. Members can also enroll there for medical and travel security alerts. International SOS advises clients and members to contact one of its 28 around-the-clock alarm centers with requests for assistance, advice or updated information. (http://www.internationalsos.com/en/alarm-centers.htm)


The global assistance provider has distributed the following travel, medical and security guidance to members via email alerts and http://www.internationalsos.com/:

• Travel to Japan can continue but avoid all travel to areas affected by the tsunami and the exclusion zones around the Fukushima nuclear reactor site.
• Defer non-essential travel to Tokyo and northern Honshu at this time due to the continuing disruption to transport and essential services in the aftermath of the earthquake and the ongoing situation at the nuclear power plants in the north.
• Personnel in country should comply with instructions from local authorities.
• Anticipate disruption to travel and essential services in earthquake-affected areas.
• Drink only boiled or bottled water, or canned or carbonated beverages. The local water supply may be contaminated.
• Avoid contact with contaminated water / sewer spills.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and safe water, or use a hand sanitizer. This is especially important before preparing food or eating.
• Monitor the local media and our website for further updates.
  

International SOS expresses sympathy for the people of Japan and visitors affected by the earthquake. “This is a devastating event, and its impact will be felt for years to come.  The response by Japan’s emergency services has been admirable in the face of such a tragedy.  We are proud to be able to help clients get through this difficult time and make their way back home safely,” said Michael Hancock.  

About International SOS
International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com/) is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance, and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security, and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. A global team of over 8,000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides services including planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response to 66 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.


Media Contact Information:

Grace Ngoh, Head of Communications, Asia
International SOS (HK) Ltd
Tel: +852 29 16 26 95
grace.ngoh@internationalsos.com  
 

Erin Giordano
Director, Marketing Communications
International SOS Americas
Tel: +1-215-942-8078 or +1-267-242-0875
erin.giordano@internationalsos.com