The increasing tensions on the border between Russia and Belarus and Ukraine are the focus of attention of the world's political decision-makers. The US and EU countries are urging their citizens to leave Ukraine.
In past decades, diplomacy has always triumphed when it came to political crises in Europe, and hopefully that will be the case this time as well. In such an environment, one can rely on hope. The hope that nothing will happen. And what if it does?
What mechanisms must then be applied? How must I behave, what must my company do, what must my employees do? What if? And where do I panic unnecessarily? What can I adhere to?
Tensions also affect surrounding countries
As an entrepreneur, it is important to consider the possible consequences of an escalation. You should neither panic unnecessarily nor have the (perhaps naïve) hope that nothing will happen. It is therefore a balancing act between doing too much and too little.
From our point of view as emergency managers with crisis experience, however, it would not be right to wait until the situation actually escalates. Rather, you should at least have emergency planning "in the drawer". If you Employees, offices or factories in Ukraine have, you should of course prepare for the worst case scenario.
But what if your company is located in Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania or Estonia?
All these countries border the Black Sea or one of the countries directly involved in the crisis. How does a (potential) crisis affect life and the business climate in these countries?
Hidden risks
In addition to the obvious risks, the tensions between Ukraine and Russia can also have hidden consequences that you don't even think about at first. A few days ago, the German government called on German citizens to, leave Ukraine, unless the stay is mandatory. In doing so, it followed the instruction of other countries such as Great Britain or the USA, which also recommend leaving the crisis area.
If an entrepreneur is faced with this decision and decides to remain in the country despite all the advice and warnings, an insurance check should be carried out at the latest then. Voluntarily refraining from seeking safety may conflict with the current insurance conditions. This is because an injury sustained, for example, as a result of terrorist attacks or in war is generally excluded from all health insurance policies (including return travel). The same applies to employees that a company employs on site or has sent there.
Emergency managers with crisis experience as sparring partners
We at WB Risk Prevention Systems can help you identify and quantify your company's exposure; moreover, we can help you plan and prepare for all eventualities so that you are well prepared. We are available if you want to pragmatically check whether you are sufficiently prepared - without panic or blind actionism.
Our experts are prepared for such situations and know what to do. As crisis managers in active war zones or as task forces in the wake of terrorist attacks and military conflicts, our experts bring their expertise to bear. Marcel Hagens, Jan-Hendrik Heinen, Paul Labic and Werner Heesen years of experience in emergency logistics, evacuation planning and execution, and crisis communications.
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