Crisis Preparedness Guide for Businesses During Wartime

Guide

Crisis Preparedness Guide for Businesses During Wartime & Disaster

This guide provides essential steps and resources to help your business effectively navigate wartime & disaster challenges. It is organized according to key areas of crisis preparedness to facilitate quick reference and action, including a Crisis Preparedness Assessment to evaluate your business’s readiness and identify areas for improvement.

1. Community Response Level

Objective: Support those impacted by the crisis using your expertise.

Key Actions
  • Offer Relevant Assistance: Provide services or products to help the community during the crisis.
  • Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with NGOs or community groups to enhance your impact.
  • Communicate Your Efforts: Inform stakeholders about your support initiatives to encourage community solidarity.
Resources
  • Local NGOs and Community Groups: For collaboration opportunities, businesses can connect with local NGOs and community organizations through the following resources:
  • NGO Directory Spreadsheet: A comprehensive list of NGOs and community groups in Lebanon. Access the sheet here.
  • ACTED Mapping for Lebanon:
  • Survey: Participate in the mapping survey.
  • Dashboard: View the real-time dashboard of mapped organizations here.
  • DRM Mapping for Lebanon: Expected to become live soon, the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) unit is mapping non-LRP partners; the link will be provided here once live.
  • UNHCR Help Lebanon: Access up-to-date resources and services for those impacted by the crisis.

2. Preparedness Level

Objective: Ensure your business is ready to handle wartime crises.

Key Actions
  • Develop a Crisis Management Plan: Create a straightforward plan addressing potential risks and responses.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Assign a team member to monitor news and updates related to conflict/disaster zones.
  • Train Your Team: Conduct brief training sessions on emergency protocols and evacuation procedures.
  • Emergency Supplies: Prepare and regularly check emergency kits containing essentials like first aid, communication devices, and backup power sources.
Checklist
  • Crisis plan is documented and shared with all staff.
  • Emergency contact list updated.
  • Emergency supplies are prepared and accessible.
  • Staff trained on emergency procedures.
Resources
  • Crisis Preparedness Assessment: We at put together this self-assessment to help you gauge your organization’s readiness for wartime & disaster crises. By evaluating key areas like response, leadership, resources, and communication, you'll identify gaps and areas to strengthen for greater resilience. Start the Assessment
  • First Aid Training: The Lebanese Red Cross offers a comprehensive First Aid Training course provided by AUBMC.

3. Leadership & Decision Making

Objective: Enable swift and informed decision-making during crises.

Key Actions
  • Establish a Clear Chain of Command: Define roles and responsibilities for crises.
  • Empower Decision-Makers: Ensure leaders are informed and capable of making quick decisions.
  • Scenario Planning: Discuss possible crisis scenarios and appropriate responses.
Checklist
  • Leadership roles defined for crisis response.
  • Decision-making protocols established.
  • Leaders briefed on crisis management principles.
Resources

4. Resources & Tools

Objective: Secure essential resources to maintain business operations.

Key Actions
  • Maintain Essential Supplies: Keep a stock of necessary materials and equipment.
  • Financial Planning: Allocate funds for emergency use and explore financial assistance options.
  • Backup Operations: Identify alternative ways to continue critical functions (e.g., remote work capabilities).
  • Diversify Income Streams: Consider additional products or services that can be offered during the crisis.
Checklist
  • Essential supplies are inventoried and restocked.
  • Emergency funds are allocated.
  • Backup systems and processes are in place.
  • Income diversification opportunities identified.
Resources
  • Crowdsourcing for Funds: Fundahope is a crowdfunding platform that supports projects and initiatives focused on social impact, innovation, and community development in Lebanon. It enables individuals and organizations to raise funds for various causes, offering a straightforward and secure way to gather support.
  • Cloud Services: Utilize free cloud storage like Google Drive for data backup.

5. Communication & Coordination

Objective: Maintain clear and reliable communication with all stakeholders.

Key Actions
  • Establish Communication Protocols: Define how and when updates will be shared internally and externally.
  • Use Multiple Channels: Employ various platforms (e.g., phone calls, messaging apps, emails) to ensure messages are received.
  • Update Contact Information: Keep an up-to-date list of all employees', suppliers', and key customers' contact details.
  • Regular Updates: Provide concise and regular updates about operational changes or safety information.
Checklist
  • Communication plan established.
  • Contact lists are updated and shared.
  • Communication channels tested.
  • Stakeholders informed about communication methods.
Resources
  • Communication Tools:
  • WhatsApp Business: For direct messaging (Download).
  • Slack: For team coordination (Sign Up).
  • Mailchimp Free Plan: For mass emailing (Learn More).
  • Crisis Communication Guide: SMEX’s tips on staying informed, verifying news, and protecting devices during a crisis. (View Guide).

6. Psychological Preparedness

Objective: Support employees' mental health during the crisis.

Key Actions
  • Provide Mental Health Resources: Offer access to counseling services or helplines.
  • Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees can express concerns.
  • Promote Work-Life Balance: Be flexible with work arrangements to accommodate personal needs.
  • Recognize Stress Signs: Train managers to identify stress indicators and provide support.
  • Offer Stress Management Techniques: Share materials like guides, organize workshops, or recommend self-help strategies to assist employees in coping with stress effectively.
Checklist
  • Mental health resources are identified and shared with staff.
  • Regular check-ins are scheduled.
  • Flexible work policies implemented.
  • Stress management resources provided.
Resources
  • Mental Health Support:
  • Embrace Lebanon: Mental health support and helpline (Website, Helpline: 1564).
  • Yoga for Trauma: Arabic yoga for trauma on Wednesdays, 11am Beirut time, with Laam Holistic Hub. Info on Instagram.
  • Sunday Qigong: Weekly session by Zena Takieddine, Sundays at 11am Beirut time. Info on Instagram.
  • Stress Management Techniques: Provide materials or workshops on coping strategies.
  • Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: A WHO-published stress management guide for coping with adversity. It offers practical, evidence-based self-help techniques for stress relief that can be practiced daily. Download the guide.

7. Quick Action Checklist

Immediate Actions
  • Safety First:
  • Ensure all employees know emergency procedures.
  • Confirm evacuation routes and shelter areas are accessible.
  • Communication:
  • Share the crisis management plan with all staff.
  • Update and distribute emergency contact lists.
  • Data Protection:
  • Backup critical data to secure cloud services.
  • Secure physical copies of essential documents.
Within 24 Hours
  • Monitoring:
  • Assign team members to monitor news and official updates.
  • Schedule regular briefings to disseminate information.
  • Supply Check:
  • Verify that emergency kits are complete and accessible.
  • Restock any missing or low supplies.
  • Stakeholder Communication:
  • Inform customers and partners about any operational changes.
  • Provide clear instructions or updates as necessary.
Ongoing Actions
  • Employee Support:
  • Conduct regular well-being check-ins.
  • Offer flexible scheduling or remote work options.
  • Operational Adaptation:
  • Assess and adjust business practices as the situation evolves.
  • Explore alternative methods to deliver products or services.
  • Community Engagement:
  • Participate in local relief efforts if possible.
  • Share positive stories or updates to boost morale.

8. Essential Resources Summary

Resource Summary

Conclusion

Focusing on clear and actionable steps is crucial in a crisis. Use this guide to help your business remain resilient during wartime challenges. You can navigate these difficulties more effectively by prioritizing safety, preparedness, communication, and support for your team. Remember, your well-being and that of your employees come first.