As wildfire seasons grow increasingly severe, business travelers face heightened risks that demand vigilant preparedness and proactive safety measures. World Travel Protection, a global leader in travel risk management, and Riskline, a travel risk intelligence company, have released crucial data and safety recommendations to help companies safeguard their traveling employees.
Last year, cities along the East Coast, from New York to Montreal, experienced severe air quality issues due to smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires. These events led to urgent air quality warnings, the cancellation of company events, and significant disruptions to corporate travel. This year, California alone has seen wildfires burn over 20 times more land than the previous year, causing extensive damage to supply chains and local economies. Additionally, the tourist town of Jasper, Alberta, recently suffered devastation due to wildfires. Experts universally agree that wildfire seasons are growing longer, more severe, and more frequent, necessitating advanced measures to protect business travelers.
Countries Most at Risk
According to Riskline, the top countries with the highest number of wildfire alerts in 2023 were:
– Australia: 116 alerts
– Canada: 63 alerts
– United States: 51 alerts
– Spain: 23 alerts
– Indonesia: 20 alerts
– Greece: 19 alerts
– Chile: 16 alerts
– Italy: 12 alerts
– Kazakhstan: 6 alerts
– South Korea: 6 alerts
These alerts include notifications of individual wildfires as well as disruptions caused by the fires, such as evacuations, power outages, state of emergency declarations, and related warnings.
Expert Advice for Companies and Business Travelers
Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas for World Travel Protection, emphasized the urgent need for companies to adapt to the growing wildfire risks. He stated, “Climate change has drastically altered the landscape, making conditions increasingly difficult and conducive to more frequent and intense wildfires. These fires are no longer confined to traditionally high-risk areas. Locations once considered safe are now experiencing frequent and intense fires, affecting travel plans, business operations, and posing significant health risks due to smoke exposure and air quality issues. Organizations need to understand the growing risks for travelers.”
Harrison offered the following advice to help companies keep their employees safe during wildfire seasons:
- Monitor and Prepare: Stay updated on weather advisories and be aware of rapidly changing travel restrictions in wildfire-prone areas. Implement comprehensive alert systems to keep traveling employees informed.
- Create a Traveler Emergency Plan: Ensure the plan includes evacuation procedures, contact protocols, data backup requirements, and health advice on air quality issues.
- Communicate Protocols to Travelers: Inform travelers about safety plans and protocols before their departure to ensure they understand the necessary steps to take in case of an emergency.
- Invest in Travel Support Technologies: Provide employees with travel risk management platforms and apps that offer real-time updates and crisis alerts. Ensure these technologies include two-way communication for immediate assistance.
- Develop a Crisis Communications Strategy: Create a strategy to manage reputational and business continuity risks if employees, especially high-profile executives, are caught in a wildfire.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and ensure the safety of yourself and your employees during this wildfire season.