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Expatriates and Emergency Evacuation Plans

by Carol Fleming - 06/27/2010

"Any expatriate working abroad should be cognizant of the emergency evacuation plan as incidents can happen with little to no notice. This article identifies what is an emergency evacuation plan and how to be best prepared in the event of an emergency."

No matter where in the world, when taking a position abroad, it is always prudent to remember security. Incidents can happen at any time and all expatriates should know the emergency evacuation plan for a residence and place of employment. The Saudi government takes the security of all individuals, expatriates and Saudi nationals, very seriously. However, if there were an incident impacting on personal security and safety know in advance what plans have been put in place before an emergency occurs.


Prior or as soon as possible on arrival in a foreign country, the first step an expatriate should take is to register his or her presence with the local embassy. This way, in the event of an emergency or security notice, the expatriate will be notified and provided guidance.
Beginning with a residence, an expatriate should have a specific place where emergency supplies are available and easy to access. These supplies should include candles, flashlight(s), supply of batteries, shortwave radio, blanket, water and non-perishable food.
If an expatriate is living on a compound, the compound should have an emergency evacuation plan in place. This plan should be provided to all residents by the compound manager.


Examples of what should be included in a compound emergency evacuation plan are:
How are residents informed of an emergency or an incident? Is there a siren which would be sounded? Would there be a telephone roster in place for contacting and notifying residents of an emergency?


If the ‘siren system’ is in place, are there different tones to signal what kind of an incident has taken place? And if the siren is heard, what should residents do? Do they take cover and shelter? Is there a centralized meeting place? Is there a tone which indicates a threat is over?


What about access to the compound? Will there be a lockdown? Will all gates be closed?


And if it is determined that there must be an evacuation, what instructions are provided for compound residents? Is there a centralized meeting point? Can compound residents take any personal items? What about pets? Prior to an evacuation, will a head count be taken? Will the names of no-shows be reported to respective embassies?


What if a resident wants to exit the compound in their own vehicle following an incident? Will that be allowed?


These are basic starting points towards implementing an emergency plan for a compound. Employers in the Kingdom should also have their own emergency plans for employees in the event of an emergency. If an emergency plan is not discussed during employee orientation or not included in an employee handbook, then ask the security officer or head of the institution what is the emergency evacuation plan. It is common sense to be informed and prepared.

Carol Fleming

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