What I Learned By Being at the Gatwick Bomb Scare Evacuation! The Importance of Communication in Times of Crisis. By: Mark Beaven

Last Friday, November 22nd, 2024, I happened to be travelling to London, England and was caught up in a crisis at the airport.  Gatwick Airport was thrown into chaos following a bomb scare that led to the evacuation of thousands of travelers. As I and other passengers were forced to wait outside for hours in freezing temperatures, little to no communication from airport authorities, frustrations mounted. People were left in the dark about the status of the incident, when they could return, or even if it was safe to go back inside. It got me thinking that the situation highlights a crucial lesson that extends beyond air travel: in times of crisis, clear and effective communication is vital. The agricultural industry, which often operates in high-pressure environments, can take away several key insights from this experience.

The Pitfalls of Poor Communication During Emergencies

The Gatwick bomb scare incident revealed just how detrimental poor communication can be during an emergency. Travelers who were evacuated had no clear information on what was happening, how long the delay would last, or what steps they should take next. This lack of communication created unnecessary stress and confusion, and it ultimately made a difficult situation even worse.

In agriculture, emergencies can take many forms: from extreme weather events to disease outbreaks, or even supply chain breakdowns. Just like the travelers at Gatwick, farmers and agricultural workers can be often left in the dark during crises. The consequences of not having a solid communication plan can be severe, leading to operational inefficiencies, financial losses, and, in the worst cases, safety hazards.

Why Communication Matters in Agriculture

The agricultural industry, like the travel sector, is a complex network of people, resources, and processes that must operate smoothly. During times of emergency—whether it’s a weather-related disaster or an outbreak of disease—how information flows can have a direct impact on the outcome of the situation. Here's how the agricultural industry can learn from the communication breakdowns observed at Gatwick:

1. Clear and Timely Updates: In any crisis, the priority is to ensure everyone involved has the information they need to make informed decisions. At Gatwick, people were stranded for hours without any clarity about when they could return or what was happening.  I fortunately, made the decision early on to walk 10 kilometers to the next train station to continue my travel to downtown London, but the vast majority of others were stranded for over five hours in freezing temperatures.  In the agricultural world, the same lack of communication can delay decisions related to livestock and poultry management, employee safety, and resource allocation. For example, if a disease outbreak like a High Path Avian Influenza occurs in a region, farmers must receive timely warnings and guidance on how to protect their poultry flocks. Waiting for information can mean missing critical windows of opportunity for intervention.

2. Designated Communication Channels: During the Gatwick evacuation, confusion was compounded by the absence of a clear communication channel. Travelers were left wondering whom to approach for updates and what to do next. In agriculture, it’s essential to establish clear lines of communication in advance. This could include government and industry designated emergency hotlines, team communication apps, or even automated SMS alerts that inform workers about the status of the situation and what actions they need to take.

3. Transparency and Trust: One of the most damaging elements of the Gatwick incident was the lack of transparency. Travelers were left to speculate about the seriousness of the bomb scare and when they would be allowed back into the airport. In farming, when dealing with threats like supply chain failures or disease outbreaks, stakeholders—including workers, suppliers, and even customers—need to know what is happening and what steps are being taken to resolve the issue. Transparency fosters trust, and clear communication helps maintain this trust even during stressful times.

4. Training and Preparedness: One of the key lessons from the Gatwick incident is the need for preparedness. While it’s impossible to predict every type of emergency, organizations must have established procedures for how to handle various crises. In the agricultural sector, this means having training in place for employees on what to do in the event of an emergency, whether it’s a fire on a farm, a natural disaster, or a health emergency. Communication training should be included in this process, so everyone knows how and when to pass on critical information.

   
   

Leveraging Technology for Effective Communication

As we've seen, the lack of communication at Gatwick made the situation far more difficult to manage. The agricultural industry has the advantage of modern communication tools that can help address these challenges. Technologies like drones, sensors, and farm management software can provide real-time data that helps farmers make more informed decisions during an emergency.

For example, during a wildfire, farmers can receive automated updates on weather conditions, air quality, and the status of nearby fires, allowing them to take protective actions early. Similarly, communication tools like messaging groups, or even custom-built apps can help farmers and farm workers stay connected with each other and management during a crisis. These platforms can facilitate instant updates, decision-making, and collaboration, which are critical for resolving emergencies swiftly and efficiently.

Be Prepared and Communicate

Thankfully the recent Gatwick bomb scare resulted in no injuries or damage but the evacuation shows just how important communication is during a crisis. In the agricultural industry, a lack of communication can lead to confusion, delays, and potentially devastating consequences.

By learning from this experience, the agriculture sector can develop more robust communication strategies, ensuring that farmers, workers, and stakeholders receive the information they need to handle emergencies effectively.

In times of uncertainty, the ability to act quickly and decisively can make all the difference. As the industry continues to face new challenges—from climate change to global supply chain disruptions—the importance of communication in emergencies has never been clearer. The lessons from Gatwick should inspire agricultural leaders to prioritize communication, invest in training, and equip their teams with the tools to stay informed and stay safe in times of crisis.