During a crisis event, communication can be the next most important tool to quality planning. The ability to communicate is crucial to collaborative crisis resolution. Teams who lose communication with headquarters during an emergency can feel lost and alone. Companies that lose contact with overseas personnel can feel powerless and worry for their personnel. Accessible lines of communication allow all parties the confidence to resolve the situation efficiently and effectively.
Device Requirements
It is Reliant’s policy that all international teams have two different forms of communication available at all times in case of a crisis event. All team members are encouraged to have three different forms of communication available among the team, but are only required to have two available at all times. The different forms of communication should not operate based on the same system (examples given below). Team members are required to maintain the devices and have them accessible in case of a crisis event.
Reliant recommendations and requirements for communication devices are determined by the location's International Risk Levels.
- Basic threat level: Two forms of communication are required when in place of residence and during travel. Both communication devices need to work where you are traveling and at the destination (ex. foreign Sim card). Reliant highly recommends that you carry two forms of communication at all times.
- Moderate threat level: Two forms of communication are required when in place of residence and during all travel outside the place of residence (including local travel). Reliant highly recommends that you carry three forms of communication at all times.
- High threat level: Two forms of communication are required to be with you at all times. A third form, which should include a tracking device (satellite phone or non-local utility dependent (not cell/wifi dependent) is required to own and have in place of residence and should be taken with you when traveling. Reliant highly recommended having three forms of communication with you at all times.
Location tracking devices, such as Garmin InReach devices, are required for all teams traveling to remote locations or to areas without a reliable cell signals (unless restricted by local ordinances). Tracking devices are recommended to be “on” even if not “tracking” at all times while traveling overseas. When at a team meeting space, office, or team member's residence officially, the devices may be powered down, though in the interest of safety it is best to always have the device powered on so long as you can monitor its battery life.
Selecting Your Devices
Below are examples of different types of communication devices that you can use. You are allowed to reimburse additional communication devices over and above the standard reimbursement cell phone policy (Make sure to mention in the description that it is required for your Crisis Management preparation.)
Emergency Communications
During emergencies, communication should be quick, clear, and concise. When network reliability is limited, communication methods that allow simple and immediate information sharing can be particularly valuable. Teams should use the Reliant International Crisis Hotline or their approved team communication platform to report crisis situations and receive direction. If you are unable to establish contact with Reliant's ICMT, you should reach out to the Government Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
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Acceptable forms of communication: cell phone; smartwatch with phone capacity; pad or computer with VOIP capacity; land-line phone; satellite phone; radio/walkie-talkie if there is a network to receive communications.
Tracking devices - Garmin, tile, satellite phone.