Chapter 9 Blog- Crisis Management

Everyday crisis hit the world, whether they be big or small they effect people all around the world. The way the crisis issue is addressed is the most important. The delivery plays a huge impact on how people will react on dealing with the crisis.

There are several steps that should be taken as PR practioner before a crisis should ever hit.

1.Anticipate the unexpected- Although some events can't be anticipated, it is always good to prepare for the worst.
2.Institute and practice a crisis communications plan- Practice makes perfect. So make it a routine activity to go over your crisis management plan.
3.Make sure everyone is aware of how to deal with the crisis and knows the plan, whether it be a lower level employee of CEO, make sure everyone is trained what to do in the circumstances.
4.Have one spokesman- make sure the spokesperson can communicate effectively to the public and media on the crisis.
5.Only give the information you are aware of. In the time of a crisis there is absolutely no room for speculation on the issue.

In August 2005 when Hurrican Katrina hit, there was a strong miscommunication factor in whether or not aid should be sent right away. The public knew of the public officials hestitation.

If the Government had gone to a PR practioner that knew that
1. One Clear Voice could have been established
2.Regular news and alerts could have been scheduled.
3.A good crisis communication plan in place and ready to be in full affect when the crisis arouse.
Instead of : Poor planning
Poor anticipation
poor execution and lack of anything to communicate

..maybe everything would have worked out different.