Emergency response team deployed to Chile

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Following the earthquake, Control Risks and International SOS immediately deployed an Incident Management Team to Chile. Our 24 hour global alarm centres received a number of calls from business travellers and expatriates in the region, and we were able to advise them of the latest situation and offer assistance to enable them to self-evacuate out of the devastated area of Concepcion. A further team of security specialists is en route to Chile, and will continue to be on hand to support any special requests over the coming days and weeks.
 
"We have been helping clients evacuate from the affected areas, and have consultants on the ground in Chile providing security, business continuity and emergency response and logistical support services. Incidents like this really demonstrate the value to clients of being able to call upon the truly global resources of Control Risks and International SOS" said Jim Brooks, Control Risks CEO for the Americas region.
 
Here is the current travel advice we are giving to clients in Chile:
  • Companies and organisations 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. Travellers 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 epicentre 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 home.
  • 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. Travellers 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 the Strategic Alliance and Joint Venture between Control Risks and International SOS
Through the Joint Venture, Control Risks and International SOS offer clients travel security and evacuation services backed up by an unrivalled global network of operational resources, whilst the wider Strategic Alliance enables us to offer clients access to a comprehensive range of emergency medical and security consultancy services.