Photo attribution to Ivan Walsh
When disaster strikes in the country you are working as an expat, what is your exit strategy? Reflecting on the 2.2 million foreigners, including a good number of Americans, currently living and working in Japan, this process becomes that much more pressing.
This month, many overseas workers suddenly found themselves caught in the middle of Japan’s powerful earthquake, along with its aftershocks and resulting tsunami, and are facing the threat of radiation exposure. In another part of the world, the political crisis in Egypt and the Middle East has not only caused food and gas shortages, but Americans working there may face dangerous unrest in the streets.
As businesses expand into new global markets, 10 percent of employees who are sent abroad from the U.S. are assigned to countries that are considered dangerous or have harsh living conditions. While employment in a foreign country can be a dream come true, anyone working outside their native soil should have an exit strategy in place and be prepared for a hasty departure – even if they are working in countries that are considered ‘safe.’
Your first step should be to register with the appropriate embassy and consulate and regularly update your contact information. This will assure you will be notified and continually updated by the U.S. State Department in the event of a disaster or crisis in your host country.
Employers with overseas workers have a priority to protect their human capital abroad and should have a risk management plan in place to ensure their employees are as safe as possible wherever they are in the world. Companies should also buy travel insurance policies, monitor the movement of their employees, and hire medical evacuators and security companies to protect overseas offices.
While both the U.S. government and companies with employees overseas map out strategies to help citizens exit dangerous situations abroad, it is also the responsibility of the individual to be organized and prepared for the unthinkable. A best practice is to keep abreast of local political, social and meteorological developments, and most importantly have a personal safety plan and escape route. Keep a three-day supply of food and water on hand and your key documents in one location. Being prepared helps keep you safe.
We here at Going Global offer these tips (from our expat experiences) for staying safe in a foreign country:
• Stay on top of local political, social and meteorological developments.
• Register with the appropriate embassy and consulate and regularly update your contact information.
• Have a personal safety plan and escape route.
• Plan a way for family members to stay in contact.
• Keep a few vital supplies (food, water, flashlight, battery-powered radio, cell phone with chargers, passport, visas, local maps, emergency phone numbers, first aid kit, etc.) on hand.
• Maintain a reserve of cash in smaller denominations.
• Be aware of the ways to leave the country (planes, trains, ferries, etc.)
• Learn some basic safety skills.
Knowing how you will take care of yourself in the midst of an emergency is vital to a successful time as an expat. You may or may not need to employ that plan. Having a plan, though, is what will help you stay calm amidst potential chaos.
For employment, career and culture resources in other countries, please visit www.goinglobal.com.
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