1. Develop Plans: Conduct risk assessments and create SOPs for various scenarios, aligned with IHG’s Crisis Management Plan. 2. Regular Training & Drills: Run scenario-based drills, tabletop exercises, and involve all departments. 3. Role-Specific Training: Assign clear roles and train on emergency equipment use. 4. Communication Protocols: Establish a reliable communication system and clear chain of command. 5. Guest Safety Measures: Train staff to guide guests calmly and follow IHG’s "Stay Safe" guidelines. 6. Post-Incident Procedures: Debrief after incidents to improve response and offer psychological support if needed. 7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly update SOPs and engage with local emergency services for best practices.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to assess the team. Determine who the experts are and encourage their input. Allow the team to openly discuss their ideas and conduct simulations. This will allow the team to build upon what is presented. At the same time it will also allow the team to strengthen their own weaknesses through practice and preparation.

1. Conduct Regular Drills 2. Develop a Clear Communication Plan 3. Provide Ongoing Training 4. Maintain Readiness & Resources 5. Continuous Improvement Preparedness is key to effective disaster response. By conducting regular drills, establishing clear communication protocols, and providing ongoing training, the team will be better equipped to adapt swiftly, minimize damage, and ensure the safety of all personnel.

One thing I have found helpful is practice and compare. If you have a large team, but a response usually requires just a fraction of the entire team. Break them up into multiple smaller teams and run the exact same scenario. - Allows members to take on different roles. Including more leadership. - Allows assessors multiple rounds (more data point s) on what is good or bad with plans and where more training is needed. - Allows for different points of view on how to address a scenario or problems. - Hot washes at the end where you bring the teams together to discuss can be interesting. - Increases training in different positions, reps and sets, perspective, and engagement.

I agree with all of the other authors on this forum and the strategies and training programmes cited, however there are two points I would highlight; 1 a strong robust communication system both vertically within your organisation, and laterally across with other responding agencies to allow a coordinated command and control, shared dynamic risk, and mutual support arrangements. History has shown that communication failures are nearly always identified in post incident reviews. 2 your first responders ( especially in the blue community), those who you have invested time and training to, will carry out their functions, more focus needs to be applied to those managing the incident, as rank and promotion doesn't mean experience CPD is critical

I will assess the team strength and weakness. Thereafter, conduct risk analysis based on the disaster that is facing the team. Based on the findings of the risk analysis and informed decision will be taken on mitigating factors that will avert the disaster from happening in the future. Team members also need to continuously be subjected to ongoing training to ensure their preparedness for any situation that might arise at any given time. In this way team members will know their roles during such disaster should it happen. Lastly, no matter how best the strategy you come up with and you want to implement to prevent sudden disaster without executive management support there is nothing you can do as they are the gate keepers and in control.

I believe one the best approaches as an effective leader is to Equip your team to think fast, act decisively and adapt instantly in crises. Conduct high-intensity, unpredictable drills to build instinctive responses. Replace rigid plans with agile, scenario-based strategies that empower quick, informed decisions. Sharpen situational awareness through immersive training and real-time risk assessment. Foster resilience under pressure with stress inoculation and cross-functional training. Cultivate a culture of leadership at every level, ensuring rapid, coordinated action. Continuously refine and reinforce strategies to stay ahead of any disaster.

1. Having a clear Chain of Command is essential, then it morphs to the need of the emergency. Mainly the creation of the response team. 2. Clear identification of the problem and assessment of the situation from the center of the emergency outwards to gather data on potential 2nd and 3rd order effects. 3. Control the message and push info out to all concerned. 4. Take control, respond/act and adapt. 5. Rinse and repeat until complete.....

To help team adapt quickly to sudden disasters, run regular drills, practice realistic scenarios, and have clear emergency plans in place. It’s also important to set up a dedicated emergency response team. Build a culture where everyone stays prepared, train them to make quick decisions under pressure, and use technology for fast communication. After every drill or real incident, review what worked, learn from it, and keep improving.

1. Simulated Drills & Scenario-Based Training Conduct realistic disaster simulations with unexpected challenges and role rotations to enhance adaptability. 2. Decision-Making Under Pressure Use time-sensitive decision trees, promote decentralized decision-making, and implement stress inoculation training. 3.Cross-Training & Role Flexibility Train team members in multiple roles, establish adaptable SOPs, and develop leadership skills for crisis situations. 4.Communication & Coordination Set clear crisis communication protocols, use real-time decision tools, and conduct after-action reviews for continuous improvement. 5.Psychological Resilience Teach stress-management techniques, foster a growth mindset.