General Preparation Guidelines
•Tips to improve an organization's CM processes:
1.Build contingency plans, identify teams, train staff, and rehearse scenarios before a crisis occurs.
2.Verify that everyone knows that only designated members of the crisis management team may represent the company.
3. React as quickly as possible - the first few hours establish the baseline narrative that the media will use.
4.Make sure your plans and processes are of the highest quality.
5.Always give the most complete and accurate information possible.
6.As choices are considered, adopt the long view - consider long-term effects and the short-term losses that may occur.
•Most frequently offered excuses include:
•Denial—"We didn't think it could happen to us."
•Deferral or low prioritization—"We thought we had more important issues to handle."
•Ignorance—"Risk? We didn't see any risks."
•Inattention to warning signs—"We didn't see it coming."
•Ineffective or insufficient planning—"We thought we were ready!"
