When Crisis Strikes: Your Professional Security Guide
Lebanon’s unique security environment demands specialized crisis response knowledge. From political tensions to natural disasters, from security incidents to emergency evacuations, this guide represents decades of operational experience distilled into clear, actionable protocols. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, these guidelines could prove crucial when seconds matter.
Our Crisis Response protocols are continuously updated based on real-time intelligence from the Lebanon Security Index™, ensuring you have access to the most current and relevant emergency procedures. Each protocol has been field-tested and refined through actual crisis management across Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and all nine governorates.
The CIS Security SAFE Protocol
Every crisis situation, regardless of type, follows our fundamental SAFE framework:
Situational Awareness
Immediately assess your surroundings and identify immediate threats. Understanding your environment is the foundation of effective crisis response. Look for exits, identify safe zones, and recognize potential dangers. In Lebanon’s context, this means being aware of your specific location, nearby security forces, and available communication channels.
Alert Authorities
Contact appropriate emergency services immediately. In Lebanon, dial 112 for general emergencies, 140 for Red Cross ambulance services, or 1718 for Internal Security Forces. For areas under UNIFIL jurisdiction in South Lebanon, additional protocols may apply. Always have these numbers saved in your phone and written in a secure location.
Follow Established Protocols
Each crisis type requires specific actions. Whether it’s a security incident, natural disaster, or medical emergency, following established protocols prevents panic and ensures systematic response. Our protocols are designed for Lebanon’s specific infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
Evacuate or Secure
Based on the threat assessment, either evacuate to predetermined safe zones or secure your current location. In Beirut’s dense urban environment, evacuation routes may differ significantly from rural areas in Akkar or Baalbek-Hermel. Know your options before crisis strikes.
Security Incident Response
Seek Immediate Cover
When facing active security incidents, whether in Beirut’s commercial districts or residential areas across Mount Lebanon, your response must be immediate and decisive. Seek immediate cover behind solid structures – concrete walls, pillars, or vehicles provide better protection than wooden doors or glass partitions. Move away from windows, glass doors, and exterior walls. In Lebanon’s typical architecture, interior rooms and stairwells often provide the most protection.
Secure Your Location
If you’re in a high-rise building common in Beirut or Jounieh, avoid elevators and move to lower floors when safe to do so. Lock and barricade doors if possible. Turn off lights and silence mobile devices. Stay away from doors and windows. If in a vehicle, exit immediately and seek better cover – vehicles provide minimal protection against most threats.
Communicate Safely
Communication is critical but must be done safely. Use text messages rather than voice calls to avoid detection in hostile situations. Share your exact location with trusted contacts and authorities. If you’re in areas with limited cellular coverage, particularly in mountainous regions or border areas, have alternative communication plans ready. Social media can alert threats to your location – use with extreme caution.
Business Lockdown Procedures
For businesses and facilities, implement lockdown procedures immediately. This includes securing all entrances, moving personnel to designated safe areas, accounting for all staff and visitors, and maintaining communication with security forces. CIS Security guards are trained in these protocols and can coordinate with arriving authorities. Designate a single point of contact for law enforcement to prevent confusion.
Critical Reminders
- Do not attempt to film or photograph active incidents
- Follow all instructions from security forces immediately
- Do not spread unverified information that could cause panic
- Wait for official all-clear before leaving secure areas
- Be aware of secondary threats or devices
Natural Disaster Protocols
Earthquake Response in Lebanon
During the Earthquake:
Lebanon sits on active fault lines, making earthquake preparedness essential. During an earthquake, if indoors, immediately drop to your knees, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. In Lebanon’s older buildings, particularly in historical areas of Beirut, Tripoli, or Sidon, be especially cautious of falling debris and structural weaknesses.
If Outdoors:
Move away from buildings, power lines, and infrastructure. Lebanon’s narrow streets in urban areas pose particular challenges – seek open spaces like parking areas or parks. Stay in the open until shaking stops.
After the Earthquake:
- Check for injuries and provide first aid
- Inspect building for damage before re-entering
- Be prepared for aftershocks
- Listen to official broadcasts for updates
- Avoid using elevators in damaged buildings
Flooding and Severe Weather
Flood Warnings:
During Lebanon’s winter months, flooding can affect coastal areas and valleys. Monitor weather reports and Lebanon Security Index™ alerts for flood warnings in your governorate.
During Flooding:
Move immediately to higher ground. Avoid attempting to cross flooded areas – Lebanon’s seasonal rivers and wadis can carry powerful currents despite appearing shallow. In the Bekaa Valley and low-lying coastal areas, flash floods can develop rapidly.
Safety Guidelines:
- Never drive through flooded roads
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Evacuate if water enters your building
- Move valuable items to upper floors
- Have emergency supplies ready
Monitor the Lebanon Security Index™ daily for weather-related security assessments across all governorates
Medical Emergency Procedures
Emergency Medical Contacts
Accessing Emergency Medical Services
Lebanon’s healthcare system requires understanding both public and private emergency services. For immediate medical emergencies, contact the Lebanese Red Cross at 140 – they provide the most widespread ambulance coverage across all governorates.
Major Hospital Emergency Departments:
- American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC)
- Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital
- Saint George Hospital University Medical Center
- Rafik Hariri University Hospital (Government)
- Lebanese Hospital Geitawi
Basic First Aid While Waiting
While waiting for medical assistance, provide basic first aid if trained. In remote areas of Akkar or Baalbek-Hermel, emergency response times may be extended, making basic first aid knowledge crucial.
Priority Actions:
- Control bleeding through direct pressure
- Maintain airway clearance
- Keep injured person calm and still
- Do not move suspected spinal injuries
- Monitor vital signs continuously
- Provide reassurance and comfort
Information for Emergency Services
When calling emergency services, provide clear, concise information to ensure rapid response:
- Exact location (include landmarks in Lebanon)
- Nature of medical emergency
- Number of people injured
- Patient’s condition and symptoms
- Any hazards at the scene
- Your contact number for callback
Note: In areas with poor address systems, use well-known landmarks, mosques, churches, or businesses as reference points.
Regional Considerations
Emergency medical access varies significantly across Lebanon’s governorates:
- Beirut & Mount Lebanon: Quickest response times, multiple hospital options
- North Lebanon: Coverage centered around Tripoli
- Bekaa Valley: Limited facilities, longer transport times
- South Lebanon: UNIFIL medical support available in some areas
- Remote Areas: Consider helicopter evacuation for critical cases
Strategic Evacuation Planning
Successful evacuation requires predetermined planning. In Lebanon’s complex geography, knowing multiple routes and having prepared supplies can mean the difference between safety and danger.
🎒 Emergency Kit Essentials
Maintain an emergency kit accessible within 30 seconds
Documents
- ✓ Passport and Lebanese ID
- ✓ Residency permits
- ✓ Insurance documents
- ✓ Medical records
- ✓ Emergency contact list
Financial
- ✓ Cash (USD and LBP)
- ✓ Credit/debit cards
- ✓ Bank account information
- ✓ Small denominations
Survival Supplies
- ✓ Water (3 days minimum)
- ✓ Non-perishable food
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Essential medications
- ✓ Flashlight & batteries
Communication
- ✓ Charged mobile phone
- ✓ Portable chargers
- ✓ Battery-powered radio
- ✓ Emergency whistle
- ✓ Local maps
Evacuation Route Planning
Primary Routes
Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home, workplace, and frequently visited locations. In Lebanon’s geography, this means knowing both coastal and mountain routes, understanding traffic patterns during emergencies, and having alternatives when main highways are compromised.
Regional Considerations
Beirut: Know routes to airport, ports, and mountain passes
South Lebanon: Understand UNIFIL checkpoints and border procedures
Bekaa Valley: Plan for seasonal road conditions
North Lebanon: Know alternate coastal and inland routes
Family Reunion Points
Establish reunion points if separated. Choose locations that are easily accessible and well-known, such as major landmarks, hospitals, or religious sites. Have both a primary and secondary location in case one becomes inaccessible. Examples: Martyrs’ Square, major hospitals, prominent mosques or churches.
Transportation & Movement
Vehicle Preparedness
- Keep fuel tank at least half full always
- Maintain vehicle in good working condition
- Store emergency supplies in vehicle
- Know alternate fuel sources
- Have physical maps (not just GPS)
Alternative Transportation
- Identify public transport options
- Know taxi and service routes
- Consider motorcycle for traffic
- Plan for pedestrian evacuation
- Coordinate with neighbors for shared transport
Communication During Crisis
📱 Critical Communication Principle
Lebanon’s telecommunications infrastructure can become overwhelmed during major incidents. Plan for communication failures and have multiple backup methods.
Best Communication Practices
- Text Over Voice: SMS uses less bandwidth and is more likely to get through
- Brief Messages: Keep communications short and factual
- Battery Conservation: Reduce screen brightness, close unnecessary apps
- Network Selection: Manually select strongest network if automatic fails
- Alternative Apps: WhatsApp, Telegram may work when regular networks fail
- Social Media Caution: Can reveal location to threats
Family Communication Plan
Establish communication protocols with family members before crisis strikes:
- Out-of-Area Contact: Designate someone outside Lebanon to coordinate
- Check-in Schedule: Set specific times for status updates
- Code Words: Establish phrases for different situations
- Meeting Points: Pre-arrange physical meeting locations
- Information Sharing: Decide what info to share and with whom
Essential Contact List
Maintain these contacts in multiple formats (phone, written, cloud):
- Family members (all numbers)
- Embassy or consulate
- Medical providers
- Insurance companies
- Employer emergency line
- School emergency contacts
- CIS Security: +961-3-539900
Business Communication Trees
For businesses, implement communication trees where each person is responsible for contacting specific individuals:
- Management contacts department heads
- Department heads contact team leaders
- Team leaders contact team members
- Designated person contacts authorities
- Backup contacts for each level
Technology & Infrastructure Tips
Power Management
- Keep power banks charged
- Have car chargers ready
- Know generator locations
- Use airplane mode when not needed
- Photograph all damages immediately
- Keep receipts for emergency expenses
- Maintain written timeline of events
- Collect witness contact information
- Obtain official police reports
- Request medical documentation
- File insurance claims promptly
- Medical: Follow-up care and check-ups
- Psychological: Trauma counseling available
- Legal: Assistance with claims and rights
- Financial: Emergency assistance programs
- Community: Support groups and resources
- Security: CIS assessment and upgrades
- ☐ Ensure all family members are safe
- ☐ Contact insurance companies
- ☐ Document all damages
- ☐ File necessary reports
- ☐ Arrange temporary accommodations
- ☐ Restore essential services
- ☐ Review and update crisis plans
- ☐ Schedule security reassessment
- Evaluate what worked well
- Identify areas for improvement
- Update emergency plans
- Enhance supply kits
- Improve communication protocols
- Schedule regular drills
- Share experiences with community
- Check overall Lebanon rating
- Review your governorate status
- Read security recommendations
- Plan day accordingly
- MEDIUM (50-69): Review your crisis plans
- HIGH (70-89): Pre-position emergency supplies
- CRITICAL (90-100): Consider postponing activities
- Website: cissecurity.net
- Instagram: @cissecurity
- WhatsApp Status updates
- Email alerts (subscribe)
Post-Crisis Recovery & Reporting
After immediate danger passes, systematic recovery begins. Proper documentation and support are crucial for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and psychological recovery.
Documentation Requirements
In Lebanon, proper documentation is crucial for insurance claims and official reports:
Professional Support Services
Crisis events can have lasting impacts. Seek professional support when needed:
Recovery Action Checklist
Learning & Improvement
Every crisis provides learning opportunities:
⚠️ Important: Psychological Impact
Crisis events can have lasting psychological impacts even if you weren’t physically harmed. It’s normal to experience anxiety, sleep disruption, or emotional changes after a crisis. Lebanon has qualified mental health professionals and support services available through hospitals and specialized clinics. CIS Security can provide referrals to appropriate services as part of our comprehensive security support. Don’t hesitate to seek help – your mental health is as important as your physical safety.
Integration with Lebanon Security Index™
Real-Time Intelligence for Crisis Prevention
The Lebanon Security Index™ provides daily threat assessments across all nine governorates, enabling proactive crisis prevention. This predictive capability, unique to CIS Security, transforms crisis response from reactive to proactive.
Understanding Threat Levels
Implement full crisis protocols. Avoid non-essential travel.
Review crisis plans. Pre-position supplies.
Enhanced awareness. Review emergency contacts.
Normal activities. Maintain situational awareness.
All clear. Regular security practices.
📅 Daily Updates
Monitor daily updates at 8:00 AM for your governorate’s security status. Adjust your activities and preparedness level based on threat indicators.
🎯 Proactive Response
Use the Security Index to stay ahead of potential crises:
📱 Access Methods
Stay informed through multiple channels:
Updated daily at 8:00 AM Lebanon Time
Professional Crisis Response Support
For immediate security assistance or to develop customized crisis response protocols for your organization, contact CIS Security’s 24/7 operations center. Our crisis response team, backed by 35+ years of experience managing emergencies across Lebanon, stands ready to provide professional guidance when you need it most.
Our Crisis Response Services
Emergency Planning
Custom crisis response protocols tailored to your specific needs and location
Security Assessments
Comprehensive evaluation of vulnerabilities and security enhancement recommendations
24/7 Guard Services
Professional security personnel trained in crisis response and emergency protocols
Training Programs
Crisis response training for your staff based on real-world Lebanese scenarios
Intelligence Briefings
Regular security updates and threat assessments for your organization
Emergency Support
Rapid response teams available for immediate crisis situations
Remember: Crisis preparedness is not about living in fear – it’s about having confidence that you’re ready for any situation. With CIS Security’s expertise and Lebanon’s first daily Security Index, you have the tools and knowledge to protect what matters most.
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