Thinking ahead of crisis is crucial for managing a crisis. While detailed plans are the best way to make sure everyone in your office or unit know what they should do in a crisis, here're some guidelines for forming a crisis response:
* When a crisis occurs, gather the following information:
- What happened?
- Who does this affect?
- Is danger still present?
- Who is responding to the incident (local authorities, other?)
- Are there injuries or fatalities?
* Contact your immediate supervisor immediately. He or she will need the above information, and should also know what additional steps should be taken.
* Communicate immediately. If you don't know all the facts of a situation, let people know what has happened and what you are doing - even if to say that you don't have all the facts but are working to get complete information. You will immediately be recognized as an organization that is being open and accessible.
Crisis communications guidance, templates and consultation is available through the K-State Research and Extension Department of Communications. For more information, contact Pat Melgares, 785-532-1160, or melgares@ksu.edu . --Pat Melgares
