I find this article helpful, especially for those who travels a lot, in this turmoil times, you never know when you will be caught in the same situation, better be safe than sorry!
A Senior Manager (of my current company) who is based in Mumbai, shares his experiences after talking to some of those who were caught in the recent terror attacks.
“I have spoken to a couple of people who experienced the recent terror attacks in Mumbai. Their stories have highlighted to me the importance of the company’s travel safety guidelines.
“Some managed to escape early, including two company’s catalyst staff. One man, who is a senior partner at a law firm, found his company’s HSE guidelines helped him to survive the ordeal. His story and those of others, reminds me of the importance of applying the guidelines we are offered. This is what I learnt:
Do not trust what you hear from others. Our colleagues were told at first the gunfire could be celebration crackers. Valuable minutes were lost and vulnerability increased.
In an emergency, prepare for the worst by filling the bath with water, as it may be cut off later, place wet towels under the door even if there is not a fire yet. Expect all services to fail sooner rather than later.
When fire broke out, the lawyer prepared to leave the room with his key card. Just before he closed the door, he considered a potential electricity failure and used a wet towel to keep the door slightly open. This saved his life when he had to return. Do you keep your essentials next to you when you stay in a hotel?
Smoke is difficult to manage. Many succumbed due to smoke entering their room. He told me he knew how many doors it would take to get to the fire exit! Do we know how many doors it takes to the fire exit, and how many to get back to the room?
During the fire, the lawyer opened the window yet had to return due to high-rise winds. Could you change your booking to a lower floor?
Food and water supplied soon ran low in the lawyer’s room. Ensure that you have at least a few days’ water in the room.
Advice was offered by a service centre arranged by his company. This was of great support talking him through every step such as how to barricade the door, where to stay etc. They even managed to get him on a VVIP rescue list. Have you stored the company’s in-case-of-emergency number?
He received over 2000 emails and text messages during the event. Keep your phone charged, bring a multi-purpose connector or even a spare phone or battery.
When he tried to contact his family his wife and children had their voicemail on. Have you agreed with your family on where and how to contact them in case of emergency?
Additional help came from the local consulate both during and after the ordeal. Do you travel with the consulate or embassy numbers in your phone?
“I hope none of us are forced to experience similar events but I’m planning to buy some small essentials for travel and will carry around a flashlight, extra battery and universal adapter to ensure I am well–equipped.”
A Senior Manager (of my current company) who is based in Mumbai, shares his experiences after talking to some of those who were caught in the recent terror attacks.
“I have spoken to a couple of people who experienced the recent terror attacks in Mumbai. Their stories have highlighted to me the importance of the company’s travel safety guidelines.
“Some managed to escape early, including two company’s catalyst staff. One man, who is a senior partner at a law firm, found his company’s HSE guidelines helped him to survive the ordeal. His story and those of others, reminds me of the importance of applying the guidelines we are offered. This is what I learnt:
Do not trust what you hear from others. Our colleagues were told at first the gunfire could be celebration crackers. Valuable minutes were lost and vulnerability increased.
In an emergency, prepare for the worst by filling the bath with water, as it may be cut off later, place wet towels under the door even if there is not a fire yet. Expect all services to fail sooner rather than later.
When fire broke out, the lawyer prepared to leave the room with his key card. Just before he closed the door, he considered a potential electricity failure and used a wet towel to keep the door slightly open. This saved his life when he had to return. Do you keep your essentials next to you when you stay in a hotel?
Smoke is difficult to manage. Many succumbed due to smoke entering their room. He told me he knew how many doors it would take to get to the fire exit! Do we know how many doors it takes to the fire exit, and how many to get back to the room?
During the fire, the lawyer opened the window yet had to return due to high-rise winds. Could you change your booking to a lower floor?
Food and water supplied soon ran low in the lawyer’s room. Ensure that you have at least a few days’ water in the room.
Advice was offered by a service centre arranged by his company. This was of great support talking him through every step such as how to barricade the door, where to stay etc. They even managed to get him on a VVIP rescue list. Have you stored the company’s in-case-of-emergency number?
He received over 2000 emails and text messages during the event. Keep your phone charged, bring a multi-purpose connector or even a spare phone or battery.
When he tried to contact his family his wife and children had their voicemail on. Have you agreed with your family on where and how to contact them in case of emergency?
Additional help came from the local consulate both during and after the ordeal. Do you travel with the consulate or embassy numbers in your phone?
“I hope none of us are forced to experience similar events but I’m planning to buy some small essentials for travel and will carry around a flashlight, extra battery and universal adapter to ensure I am well–equipped.”
4 comments:
Have noted down some of your travel tips, they are really worthy.
Hi Araceli, that's great! glad you find it useful :) be safe!
It's a slap on my face since I've been staying in a foreign country and still not knowing how to contact Malaysian embassy.
Thanks for sharing the tips.
Hi Jumper :) yeah, actually that's quite common for Malaysians who work overseas :) takpe, now you know! (^_^)
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