Use this checklist to see how well equipped you are to deal with a crisis.
1 Spokesperson
- Is the spokjesperson well informed?
- Is s/he highly trained in media skills?
- Is backup support available?
2 Specialist advice
- Are public relations specialists available?
- Are technical experts available?
3 Crisis team
- Has the crisis team leader been appointed?
- Has a crisis plan been prepared?
- Have support consultants been identified?
4 Information flow
- Do protocols exist to keep information flowing about the event?
- Are lines of communication effective to and from head office?
- Can we readily get approvals and clearances for statements?
5 History
- What do we know of previous similar events?
6
Decisions
- How will our corporate culture respond to crisis?
- What strengthening processes do we need to be put in place?
- What corporate involvement should there be?
- What plans can be made in advance?
7 Potential effects
- What will be the impact on the company's prospects?
- What will be the impact on our business?
- What will be the impact on employee morale?
- What will be the impact on the community?
8 Media
- Have we appointed our media spokesperson?
- Do we have contact details for relevant media?
- Are we are aware of media deadlines?
9 Employees/community
- Have we issued sufficient warnings?
- Are we producing periodic information bulletins?
- Are there health implications we should consider?
- Are there economic implications?
- Are there social or employment implications?
- Are people going to be adversely effected financially?
10 Government
- What do we tell the politicians?
- What do we tell the bureaucrats and
regulators?
11 Opponents
- Who are they?
- Will they take advantage of our situation?
- What tactics will they use?