(Adapted from the Crisis Management Handbook: A Guide for Overseas
Staff, Peace Corps Volunteer Safety Council)
National/Regional Crises
When a major regional or national crisis such as a natural disaster or political uprising occurs, events happen quickly and often without warning. There are usually few reliable warning signs. Local indicators are fairly unreliable and the rumor mill is alive and well, but not necessarily accurate. Therefore, you may have to act though you do not have complete information and though it may not seem to make sense to do so.
Exercise
In small groups (or as a large group), read the following interoffice memo, "Coup d'etat in Sao Tome & Principe." Imagine you are a student in this situation. Discuss and answer the questions following the memo.
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MEMORANDUM The Sao Tome Country study abroad administrator spoke with Abroad Program Director Smith and State Department this morning with regard to ongoing political upheaval in Sao Tome. It has been confirmed that the President is currently under arrest by rebel military officers. He and the Prime Minister, who is also "politely detained" under house arrest, are held at the military headquarters. The responsible parties are young rebels--mainly in their 20s--calling themselves Junta of National Salvation. Demands and further actions are uncertain, but the speculation is that this is related to the country's economic condition (an inflation rate of 40 percent and an unemployment rate of 38 percent) and recent pay raises given to all Ministers. There are soldiers on the streets, but taxis and other vehicles are running. People are out and about. The rebels have taken control of the television and radio station and state telecommunications. The airport has been closed. However, there has been no gunfire or violence reported. Sao Tome remains on alert although everything is reportedly calm. All 22 students are accounted for, with 8 in town at an assigned meeting place. Students have been told to keep a low profile and to stay at the assigned meeting place if in town. Those who have means of getting back to their schools have been told to do so and to keep away from any hot spots or crowds. At the suggestion of the UN, the office closed at 1:00 p.m. local time, along with other businesses and aid agencies. The administrators will continue to monitor the situation from home and will keep the desk informed of any further developments. |
Questions
What are the key questions you, as a student outside the capital city, should immediately address?
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If needed, can the local authorities (e.g., police) reach you quickly? How will they know where to find you if normal lines of communication are down?
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This time, what activities would you want to avoid or refrain from?
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What would you say to friends and colleagues?
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How would you logistically prepare yourself and your household for the possibility of a sudden evacuation?
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How might you feel (emotionally) at this point?
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What can you do to feel safe in this situation?
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What other issues or problems can you anticipate?
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National/Regional Crises - Notes to the Study Abroad Director
This exercise introduces students to the crisis management system developed to address the possibility of large-scale evacuation and will give them the opportunity to consider details they otherwise might not plan for. Thinking through their personal needs at this point will help set the stage for further explanation of how the evacuation stages unfold, as well as provide meaning for a later discussion regarding "autonomy vs. authority."
Questions
What are the key questions you, as a student outside the capital city, should immediately address?
How will the study abroad office contact you? Have you provided key people with my most recent contact numbers and location? Stress the importance of ensuring that other students always have an accurate contact number and location on the student. It is the student's responsibility to provide this information to the office.
If needed, can the local authorities (e.g., police) reach you quickly? How will they know where to find you if normal lines of communication are down?
Students should give the nearest local authority a map with the location of their residence as soon as possible after they arrive at their schools. This map will assist the local authorities in delivering emergency messages to students during times when messages are urgent and/or when normal communication channels are down.
This time, what activities would you want to avoid or refrain from?
Traveling in areas of unrest, going near "hot spots" such as political rallies or crowds, spending time with government or military officials, accepting rides from government or military officials, engaging in extensive discussion about the political situation with staff.
What would you say to friends and colleagues?
Explain that you may be called to a secure location until the crisis is over. (At this point, just let them know you may be leaving because the situation is requiring you to leave, but don't mention that you may be evacuated.)
How would you logistically prepare yourself and your household for the possibility of a sudden evacuation?
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Stock supplies |
Water, canned foods, fuel, radio, flashlight, first aid kit (generally enough for several days or up to a week if possible). |
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Pack for Evacuation |
One change of clothing, necessary toiletries, important documents, small items of importance (e.g., photos, letters, jewelry), all of your available cash. |
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Arrange for pets |
Arrange for someone in your community to take care of your pet if you need to leave. Likewise, they could care for your belongings to ensure items don't disappear from your home. |
How might you feel (emotionally) at this point?
Disbelieving, scared, angry, anxious, difficulty concentrating, in denial/not believing the situation is as serious as it sounds.
What can you do to feel safe in this situation?
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Safety |
Find or create a physically safe environment, maintain basic self-care, avoid burn-out. |
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Security |
Avoid confrontation, stay neutral, and adopt a defensive posture. |
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Sanity |
Take one step at a time, know what you can and cannot control, focus on "how", "when" and "where" not the "why" of the situation; realize your feelings are normal. |
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Support |
Seek support, establish allies, communicate and network with people you know and trust. |
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What other issues or problems can you anticipate?
Concern about belongings/household if evacuated (Staff may remain behind to pick up belongings and send them to you). Disruption of the work or study, separation from friends and co-workers, concern about family in the U.S., knowing what's going on.
You might want to summarize this exercise by making the following key points:
- We have just worked through Stage I, or the "Stand Fast" stage, of a large-scale evacuation. Matters may or may not progress to Stage II, or the "Consolidation" stage (to be explained in detail later).
- The key to your physical and mental well-being is taking steps now to ensure arrangements have been made (e.g., making a list of what to bring with you, arranging care of pets/home with a trusted local resident).
(Adapted from the Crisis Management Handbook: A Guide for Overseas
Staff, Peace Corps Volunteer Safety Council)
