In a time of crisis, you don’t want to be left wondering what you should do next. A clear crisis communications check list will guide your organization to ensure your message is effectively disseminated. As we all uncovered with the pandemic, an unexpected situation can occur at any time, so you must be prepared to minimize the impact on your business.
- Identify your key stakeholders (employees, clients, vendors, volunteers, investors/donors, and so on). It’s important to consider how each of these groups will be affected by the crisis. Map out your communication tree of key stakeholders and the method of communication for each.
- Assign a crisis communication point person and key spokespeople in the event of a crisis. Hold crisis communications training so your CEO and alternative representatives are prepared and know how to execute their roles in the plan.
- Determine the channels you will use to communicate – whether it is email, text, a calling tree, or social media. Make sure your key stakeholders receive the same core messaging at the same time.
- Create key messaging templates for different types of potential crisis situations, such as tornados, fires, hurricanes, or other similar crises. All communication across every channel will be consistent, and your crisis team will act quickly.
- Draft FAQs. Consider all your audiences and the questions they are likely to have.
- Develop a media inquiry central point of contact to field questions by the media. Decide what information you are able to release and how you will release it. Will you hold a news conference, send a news release, or release a statement to the media?
- A clear employee communication plan is essential to keep employees informed and to reduce speculation or rumors. Designate your human resources team to lead point to communicate with employees, working in tandem with your communications team, who will craft and provide key messaging.
- Once you develop your crisis communication team, you should meet once or twice a year to review your plan. Train the team, so they know their role and what to expect in times of crisis.
Don’t get caught off guard when a crisis happens, set your team up for success. We can help you with your crisis planning. Contact our marketing strategiest to develop your plan today: [email protected].
