10 Tips to Crisis Control

TIP 1 - PLAN AHEAD

Always plan for any possible crisis that could occur. The more prepared you are the more likely you are to survive the crisis.

TIP 2 – TRUTH

During a crisis, it’s important to tell the truth. It is not to ethical cover up an issue or manipulate the public.

Honesty will gain the public’s trust. If they find out the truth from different sources, it will make the crisis worse.

TIP 3 – ACT QUICKLY

Always address the public in a quick & timely matter. The more time that goes by, the worse the situation

gets. Be prepared to answer tough questions.

TIP 4 – PROCUDURES

Establish procedures for communicating during the crisis with staff, management and the media

TIP 5 - DETERMINE

Determine who is responsible for calling whom and under what circumstances. It’s good to have a thought out plan for possible circumstances and a list of contacts to call in case of each circumstance.

TIP 6 - COMMUNICATE

Never Stop Communicating!!! Communications are always critical. Make sure employees and families know what's going on, how the company is responding and how events are affecting them.

TIP 7 – LOG IT

Maintain a media log. This should have details of all press that has contacted the organization, what information was sent, when they are expected to get back to you. If there is more than one individual on the coordination team, be clear on which tasks were delegated to whom?

TIP 8 – SPOKESPERSON

Designate a spokesperson to talk with the press. This is the individual who will be the face of organization to the public. Typically there is a fair amount of dialogue between attorneys and spokespersons.

TIP 9 - PRACTICE

Practice the tough questions. If possible, rehearsals should be conducted prior to each media interview, briefing or news conference. It is also important to anticipate and practice new questions as the story evolves.

TIP 10 – SHOW AND TELL

In some cases it might be necessary to create materials that explain technical systems or in-house procedures. If you explain how a procedure works and point out where a breakdown occurred, there is less chance of a reporter interpreting the situation erroneously.