Practical Insights and Actionable Advise for Organisations and Their Travel Managers in a Changing Climate
As the world grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change, the reality of wildfire risks has become impossible to ignore. For travel managers tasked with the safety of their employees, understanding these risks is more crucial than ever. Recent data from World Travel Protection, in collaboration with Riskline, underscores the escalating threat of wildfires and offers vital guidance on how businesses can protect their travelling workforce.
The Rising Threat of Wildfires
Wildfire season is no longer a localised issue; it’s a global concern. The past year alone has seen East Coast cities like New York and Montreal blanketed in smoke from Canadian wildfires, leading to urgent air quality warnings and disrupted corporate travel. In California, wildfires have already consumed over 20 times the land they did last year, with severe repercussions for local economies and global supply chains. The popular tourist destination of Jasper, Alberta, has also been devastated, highlighting that no region is entirely safe.
These Destinations Saw Most Wildfire Alerts in 2023
Australia: 116 alerts
Canada: 63 alerts
United States: 51 alerts
Spain: 23 alerts
Indonesia: 20 alerts
Greece: 19 alerts
These alerts account for active fires and as well as the wide-ranging disruptions they cause, such as evacuations, power outages, and state of emergency declarations. With the wildfire season growing in length, severity, and duration, the need for proactive safety measures has never been more apparent.
What can companies and business travellers do to protect themselves?
The unpredictable nature of wildfires poses a significant challenge to business travel. Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas for World Travel Protection, warns, “Climate change has drastically altered the landscape, making conditions increasingly difficult and conducive to more frequent and intense wildfires. These fires are no longer confined to traditionally high-risk areas. Locations that regional fire management organisations once considered safe are now experiencing frequent and more intense fires.”
For travel managers, this means that traditional risk assessments may no longer suffice.
Expert Advise To Safeguard Employees During Wildfire Season.
- Monitor and Prepare: : Stay on top of weather advisories and be aware of rapidly-changing travel restrictions in areas where wildfires may be spreading. Put comprehensive alert systems in place to keep travelling employees informed and up to date.
- Create a Traveller Emergency Plan: Develop a robust emergency plan that includes evacuation procedures, contact protocols, and health advice on issues like air quality. Ensure this plan is communicated clearly to travellers before their departure.
- Invest in Travel Support Technologies: Provide and mandate employees to download travel risk management platforms and apps that provide real-time updates and crisis alerts on potential hazards and safety concerns. Ensure the technology includes two- way communication so that they can request help immediately. By actively sharing relevant information, companies empower travellers to make informed decisions, shifting the focus towards preparedness while fulfilling their duty of care responsibilities
- Develop a Crisis Communications Strategy: Prepare a crisis communications strategy to manage reputational and business continuity risks if employees are caught in a wildfire. This is especially critical for high-profile executives.
The Road Ahead: Shifting from Reaction to Preparedness
The escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires necessitate a shift in how businesses approach travel risk management. By actively monitoring risks, preparing comprehensive emergency plans, and leveraging the latest travel support technologies, companies can better protect their employees and fulfill their duty of care responsibilities.
As we navigate this increasingly volatile landscape, organisations and their travel managers must lead the charge in adapting to these new realities. By doing so, they not only safeguard their employees but also ensure the resilience and continuity of their business operations in the face of growing environmental challenges.
Find out how we can help you travel safely
Whether you or your staff are travelling to major events around the world, your requirements might go further than these important safety tips. World Travel Protection is a 24/7 travel and medical assistance provider that helps support its customers when medical, travel and security emergencies arise. Our Travel Risk Management Solutions help provide travellers with all the support they need pre- and during travel via our portal, app, and in-house experts. Fill out the form below to find out more.
