Safety and security are fundamental to all of our programs. A meaningful experience starts with a safe journey. Preparing ahead, evaluating potential risks, taking decisive actions, and working internally and externally on communications, the APA team makes your safety and security our highest priority. We do not expect any emergency to occur during the program, but we want to assure you that you will be in good hands if there is one.
APA CRISIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS)
Our Crisis Management System includes the roles, responsibilities, and processes in the following areas in a crisis: prevention, assessment, reaction, and termination. Through this system, we can ensure a rapid, satisfactory response to an emergency, maintain transparent reporting and communication lines, and have agreed-upon rules for program termination.
Prevention
Crisis Scenarios Review Meeting—the APA team hosts a regular Crisis Scenarios Review Meeting twice a month to review and revisit the current contingency plans regarding emergencies that have happened and potential risks that could occur during programs. At APA, we keep a crisis mindset to prepare for worst-case scenarios with numerous solutions that help us react immediately and effectively to the crisis.
Assessment
Four levels of Alarms—All emergencies will be categorized into four levels, from the first level risk with minor intervention to the fourth level of severe risk with the program’s termination. APA will apply different levels of contingency plans accordingly. In addition, we will involve different levels of the Crisis Response Team in our Crisis Management System.
Reaction
Three-layers of Support—The APA onsite support crew always offers at least three layers of support, including your local Program Coordinator, your Program Manager, and the City Manager. In any situation, APA’s onsite support crew will work closely with the faculty leaders and students to respond to and resolve the problem.
Report & Recovery
Report & Recovery—Determining when a crisis has ended requires the involvement of both the faculty leaders and APA. A final incident report will be filed and shared with the university when the crisis is over. APA will take action to restore participants and the environment to the previous level of safety, and assistance will be accessible to help everyone recover from the crisis.
The Media
During a crisis where the media is involved, APA Executive Team will collaborate with the university to deal with the media. APA will take necessary action to limit media access and ensure participants’ confidentiality in the program.
Communication is Critical
At APA, we believe that the key to crisis management is good communication, so we will always do our best to keep you informed.
>>> APA will explain our Crisis Management System during the program orientation at the beginning of each program, and we will introduce the Crisis Response Team to all the participants.
>>> APA will provide an emergency card with the contact information for the local authorities, local emergency services, the APA onsite crew, and the Crisis Response Team to all participants in the program.
>>> Upon arrival, APA will provide an evacuation plan, and we will identify nearby evacuation facilities.
>>> APA will set up a group chat for the group and the program to enhance communication.
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