Rarely a day passes without another disaster making headlines. Whether it’s a hurricane, raging wildfire or a mass shooting, the aftermath from a crisis is often staggering: ravaged land, leveled buildings or, even more horrific, the loss of lives.

Going back to our childhood, we have a basic understanding of how to prepare for a few emergency situations, such as extreme weather or a power outage. We have been educated to stock the basics: food, shelter and water. We may even have emergency kits in our cars and homes including warm clothing, first-aid kits and flashlights with extra batteries. We turn to news sources for information and rely on public agencies to mobilize support.

However, in the workplace, we may not fully consider our vulnerability. We may falsely assume that someone else has been charged with managing crises. Furthermore, we might assume that the people charged with this responsibility are trained and have an established contingency plan.

The leadership of your organization may believe that all the bases are covered through your security, legal and compliance departments. But are they? Do you have a team of operatives who have the skills and training to instantaneously activate your crisis plan? What about formalized protocols for everyone to follow? Are the channels of communications clearly established so that your employees, customers and other key constituents all receive vital, timely information?

Here are the four critical components to a successful crisis management plan:

• Formalize a plan
• Empower the team
• Train at all levels
• Hold practice drills
  

Crisis Management should be considered an integral aspect of any organization’s planning and operations. In a similar manner to scheduled financial or performance reviews, your organization’s crisis planning should be examined, updated and practiced.

Integrated Crisis Management Solutions is composed of security operatives and communications professionals who offer risk assessments, streamlined emergency protocols, management training, customer and employee communication assistance, media relations and recovery programs. For more information, go to www.integratedcrisis.com.