Crisis management is the application of strategies, procedure, rules, and systems designed to help deal with a sudden occurrence of negative events or situation.
Crisis management seeks to reduce / minimize the impact of such negative occurrence.
When things like pandemics, riots, natural disaster, terror attack and other forms of disastrous situations occur, they are unexpected and give rise to a lot of panic, causing chaos. A quick, effortless and efficient and effective response from critical sectors of the society, like, health care, transportation, law enforcement and security, will help in drastically resolving the situation and restoring peace or help in coordinating citizens to safety and reducing the number of possible causalities.
Physical security in one of the critical/important sectors of the economy and society at large and having a prior tested is one of the keys to ensuring safety and swift recovery for any business owner.
Below are some things to consider and keep in mind by business owners and the general public against crisis occurring without warning.
- BE PREPARED
It is important for persons who are security conscious to be ready to meet whatever security crisis that may occur head on. Therefore, there some questions or things to consider in planning your crisis management strategy.
- What is the treat posed to clients/customers? As a business owner, the first line of thought in the event of a crisis is the impact on service provision and how to ensure it is unhindered.
- Swiftness of decision taking: in the event of a crisis, response time is key to averting the terrible impact of such negative occurrence and it is therefore important that decisions are taken swiftly. For this purpose, someone who has the authority to make final decisions which will impact the business organization even when the situation settles must always be on ground or accessible to both analyse things and make the best possible decision. Such a person must be able to conduct a brief but efficient risk assessment and identify possible consequences incidental to response taken.
- Absence of surprise: it is important to know that anything can happen at any time and with that mentality and thought, you are better prepared and ready to tackle situations.
- EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
In the time of crisis, things are unpredictable and the tides can suddenly change. In this instance, physical security operatives present are expected to respond to the changing situation in real time
Below are some keys things in your overall security system that must have emergency protocol attached to them.
i. Access Control
Organisations must have a strict access control system to regulate movement in and out of the premises. The emergency access control system however must be different, depending on the type of crisis.
Also, having clear cut restricted areas within the premises will help manage foot
- Visitor Management
Just like access control, movement of individuals in and out of the premises must be monitored and this is even keeping crisis in mind, it must be more closely monitored. During times like that, individuals willing to wreak havoc roam and seek a place to perpetuate their crime and visitors management can help in stopping such.
iii. Remote Security Services
During a crisis, resources becomes limited, as well as movement. Therefore, plans must be made and solidified on how to monitor the presence of security operatives, the carrying out of their responsibilities and even transportation, in the event of a crisis, to minimise the effect.
- COMPANY STRUCTURE
It is important for organisations to have a clear management system, as having clear leadership, decision-making and reporting process can help the company in time of emergency, as crisis need time bound response.
We hope that the tips mentioned above can provide guidance to business owners with respect to crisis management.
For professional advice, including an understanding into our wide range of services, kindly contact us at marketing@hoganguards.com.
