Emergency management in the property sector

September 2024

In the property industry, verbal and physical assaults during property viewings are not uncommon. The "SVIT Emergency App", developed by SVIT Young Zurich and e-emergency, offers an innovative solution for emergencies. State-of-the-art technology effectively minimises security risks and strengthens the resilience of companies.

Property inspections, recording defects, handing over keys and accepting flats are part of the everyday life of property experts. But behind these routine tasks lurk dangers such as assaults – verbal or physical – which are unfortunately a reality. The increasing housing shortage and the existential fears of tenants or buyers are leading to more and more threatening situations.

It is essential for property professionals to be prepared for such emergencies. How can help be called quickly and reliably in a critical situation? In cooperation with e-emergency, SVIT Young Zurich has developed the “SVIT Emergency App” to assist employees in dangerous situations. This app bundles all the necessary alerting and communication options and provides clear instructions for various emergency scenarios.

Modern technology for maximum safety
The “SVIT Emergency App” offers property professionals extensive functions that are tailored to everyday working life. Relevant emergency services, colleagues or superiors can be alerted at the touch of a button. The current status is communicated in real time so that a quick and targeted response to the situation is possible. The app provides specific steps to be taken in an emergency situation.

Property professionals are exposed to particular risks when working alone, for example when inspecting flats, recording defects or handing over keys. The motives for assaults are varied. They range from existential fears and power games to criminal instincts. It is therefore crucial to establish an effective emergency management system that provides employees with security and at the same time enables a rapid response.

The four phases of emergency management – prevention and response
Robust emergency management is divided into four phases. Each phase helps to ensure that companies and employees are optimally prepared for unexpected emergencies and can act quickly.

1.Proactive measures for greater safety
Prevention means identifying risks at an early stage and minimising them through targeted measures. Training and clear behavioural guidelines for employees are essential in order to identify potential hazards during property inspections or similar activities. The aim is to avoid dangerous situations before they escalate.

2.Preparing for emergencies
Emergency preparedness includes organisational and technical preparations to ensure that employees are able to act in emergency situations. This includes the establishment of communication plans and the definition of crisis teams. In the property sector, this means that employees can use the “SVIT Emergency App” as a central tool to react quickly and efficiently in an emergency.

3.Immediate measures to contain risks
If an emergency occurs, the third phase – hazard defence – is crucial. This is where emergency plans are used, which are stored directly in the “SVIT Emergency App”. They contain all the information needed to alert the emergency services, evacuate the building and ensure internal communication. Thanks to real-time communication in the app, colleagues and superiors can be informed immediately about the location and the situation in order to provide support quickly.

4. Restore normal operations
After an emergency has been dealt with, it is important to resume regular business operations as quickly as possible. The recovery phase also includes supporting the affected employees, for example by providing psychological support, and analysing the incident in order to minimise future risks. The “SVIT Emergency App” also plays an important role here by providing valuable data for the follow-up and improvement of emergency management.

A decisive factor in future-proofing companies
In a networked and dynamic world, comprehensive emergency management is an essential part of business continuity management. The “SVIT Emergency App” is a modern and efficient solution that not only ensures the safety of employees, but also strengthens the resilience of companies in crisis situations. Whether for property viewings, flat inspections or defect inspections – the app ensures that the right measures can be taken quickly and purposefully in an emergency.

The future of security in the property sector
Security risks in the property sector are increasing, and it is crucial that companies are prepared. The “SVIT Emergency App” provides property professionals with an innovative tool that covers all phases of emergency management and significantly increases security. Through a systematic approach to prevention, preparedness, hazard defence and recovery, the app helps companies remain capable of acting in any situation and optimally protect their employees.

Link to the website: https://www.svit.ch/de/svit-zuerich/mitgliederinformation-sicherheit-bedeutet-vorbereitet-zu-sein

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