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Crisis Communication Team (PR 4460 – Section 01)

School of Communication & Media


Kennesaw State University
Professor Emma Wertz

Crisis Communication Plan


for Active Shooter Situation
BounceU of Kennesaw

PLAN CREATED ON…


October 6, 2018

PLAN TESTED ON…


November 6, 2018
December 6, 2018

DEVELOPED BY
Matt Mannheimer
Kendra Marshall
Isabelle Martinez
Morgan Mezile
Sara Mitchell
Damie Omole

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Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 2

Introduction
Why is this plan important?

Bounce U prides itself for offering an environment in which children and their families can

have fun and enjoy themselves. Our primary focus is the safety of our patrons and in order to insure it,

Bounce U should incorporate active shooter drills at all locations. The chances of this occurrence

happening is unlikely, but due to increase active shooter incidents within the past 10 years, we should

develop a crisis communication plan in the event that it occurs, and the steps and practices Bounce U

should take to be prepared.

What can happen if it is not followed?

It is important to follow through with the crisis communication plan for an active shooter at

BounceU, because not following the crisis plan can lead to worse outcomes. Making sure that

everyone has the same understanding of what to do can lead to less uncertainty of actions during an

active shooter. Training drills and table tops will help to keep everyone on the same page. Having clear

communication of what to do between workers and safety services can decrease the potential loss of

lives. This miscommunication during an active shooter crisis occurred in the June 12, 2016, Orlando

Pulse nightclub shooting occurred. Not updated protocol for this type of crisis was for the fire

department to hold off entering the scene “until an all-clear was given” (Aboraya, 2018). With this

standard plan of action in mind, during the shooting at the club police officers were urging firefighters

to help with victims at the scene, but there had not been an all-clear given. There was a

miscommunication of what should be done and not updated protocol of what to do in certain situations.

Therefore, it is important for all members of table tops to attend, so the public can discuss best

practices for the situation and everyone be on the same terms.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 3

Another reason to follow the crisis communication plan to avoid active shooter situation

turning into a hostage situation. If employees do not follow the plan of action to locate safe areas, keep

guests safe, and communicate with guests and authorities then the shooter will have an easier time

locating victims and increasing their danger. The situation will only get worse when the plan is not

followed, because authorities and management might believe that employees are following the plan

when employees aren’t. This can lead to further confusion of the best next steps to take and uncertainty

of how to approach the active shooter crisis.

Have there been warning signs?

An incident like this has not happened at BounceU Kennesaw. However, due to a rise of active

shooter situations, experts have started gathering information to evaluate possible indicators of

someone who would possibly become an active shooter. Some warning signs described by expert Dr.

Roger Depue include (“Red Flags, Warning Signs and Indicators”) …

• Violent fantasies and interests

• Expresses signs of suicidal behavior

• Violent aggression

• Stalking behavior

• Difficulty controlling temper

• Difficulty following rules both written and verbal

• Idealizing other murders and mass shootings

• Paranoia

• History with the law

• Mental health related to aggressive behavior

• Use of drugs/alcohol

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 4

While there are various other red flags, it is crucial to pay attention to people who enter BounceU

Kennesaw and their behavior while there since it would be more difficult to know where their mindsets

are at upon entering.

Has it happened to similar organizations?

A 5-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy were shot during a kid’s party in South Fulton County

Georgia (Aborava, 2018). The children were playing in a bounce house when gunshots were fired. The

3-year-old boy survived the shot, but the 5-year-old girl ended up hospitalized and paralyzed. The

damage during and after this crisis incident was significantly high. Although the young boy survived

the gunshot, the young girl ended up hospitalized and paralyzed. This incident was a significant threat

to the reputation and economy of the business. Clients are less likely to release their children because

of the fear of their child being hurt. This will lead to a decline in sales, profit and ultimately goodwill.

This incident is very critical because it is one that cannot be addressed by routine responses, because of

the extreme circumstance.

On the fourth of July 2018, four people were shot in the Massachusetts area (Caputo, 2018).

This happened by a bounce house filled with over 20 children. In all, four people were shot and all

were in critical conditions. Although none of the children were impacted, the four adults were victims

to the gruesome attack. This incident shows that an active shooter crisis does not only affect children

but also adults. This crisis was particularly tragic as it happened during a day of celebration, which

contributed to the massive impact. These two incidents reveal that active shooting can happen anytime

to anyone. During the holidays to both children and adults. It is in the best interest of this organization

to find effective ways to be prepared to reduce the number of casualties and threats to the life of the

people and the organization.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 5

Has the crisis happened here before?

No, an active shooter situation has not yet happened at BounceU of Kennesaw. However, it is

always advantageous for us to be prepared.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 6

Acknowledgements By signing this statement, I verify that I have read this


plan and am prepared to put it into effect.

X
Stephanie Rice Jeffery Smith
Franchise Owner Director of Operations & Franchise Consultant
BounceU of Kennesaw FB Holdings, LLC.

X
Becky Merrill
Operational Manager
BounceU of Kennesaw

X
Amanda Ludlum
Store Operations Manager
Fun Brands Inc.

X
Monique Prehoda
Senior Marketing Manager
Fun Brands Inc.

X
Bryan Andrews
Director of Facilities and Logistics
Fun Brands Inc.

X
Lauren Tebbenhoff
Director of Store Operations
Fun Brands Inc.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 7

Rehearsal Dates
Tabletop Sessions:
A formal meeting at the BounceU of Kennesaw location with the Franchise Owner, Operational
Manager and the Crisis Communication Team that will include discussions about the crisis
communication plan.

• January 6, 2019
• July 6, 2019
• January 6, 2020

Drills:
An actual simulation or training session of an active shooter situation at the BounceU of Kennesaw
location.

• April 6, 2019
• October 6, 2019
• April 6, 2020

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
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Purpose & Objectives


Purpose

In the event of an active shooter, our goal is to protect consumers and employees by establishing

proper crisis communication strategies. These strategies include preparing materials, informing

consumers and staff of safety guidelines and acting in a short response time to ensure the safety of our

stakeholders. We need to establish proper communication strategies to inform our community of

actions that individuals need to take during this type of situation.

Objectives

1. Call 911 (police) within two minutes.

2. Execute active shooter crisis communication protocols within five minutes.

3. Informing parents and key publics / stakeholders ASAP.

4. Ensure the safety of consumers that are inside the building by communicating directions to

relocate them to a designated safe area.

5. Training employees every three months with tabletop sessions and drills to fully understand the

crisis plan.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 9

Key Publics & Communication Channels

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 10

Crisis Team & Directory

TITLE EMPLOYEE OFFICE PHONE CELL PHONE EMAIL

CRISIS COMMUNICATION
MANAGER

DUTIES: Ensure that all people


JEFFERY SMITH
X X X
involved are following crisis
plan protocol and are
communicated with.

BACKUP CRISIS
COMMUNICATION
MANAGER

DUTIES: Will be utilized if the


LAUREN
TEBBENHOFF
X X X
current Crisis Communication
Manager is unavailable. If not,
this position has the same duties.

ASSISTANT CRISIS
COMMUNICATION
MANAGER LAUREN
TEBBENHOFF
DUTIES: Contacts key publics X X X
and assists the Crisis
Communication Manager.

SPOKESPERSON #1

DUTIES: Responsible for STEPHANIE RICE


communicating to key publics
on behalf of BounceU of X X X
Kennesaw.

SUBJECT-MATTER
EXPERT

DUTIES: Informs the crisis X


communication team and X X X
stakeholders about how the
situation should be handled.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 11

NEWS MEDIA
COORDINATOR
BRYAN
DUTIES: Contacts local outlets ANDREWS
including print and TV media to X X X
deliver up-to-date information.

LEGAL ADVISOR

DUTIES: Ensuring legal BECKY MERRILL X X X


guidelines and protocol are
followed.

Media Spokesperson & Training


Description & Responsibilities

Stephanie Rice is the franchise owner of BounceU of Kennesaw and will be the selected

spokesperson in the case of an active shooter. As the franchise owner, it is crucial to have Stephanie be

the spokesperson during this crisis. She is expected to communicate with the public, establish a

reservoir of goodwill and be knowledgeable to what happens at BounceU of Kennesaw. Stephanie’s

responsibilities during the crisis would be to communicate with primary and secondary stakeholders,

mostly the media, with accurate, current and transparent information during crisis. Stephanie would be

responsible to provide information post-crisis to all stakeholders as well. Stephanie would be

responsible to visit the families of anyone affected by this crisis.

Interview Tips

• Be aware of silence as a tactic to ensure that you are not providing absolute answers.
• Be calm and relaxed when answering questions.
• Try to remain in control of the dialogue.
• Begin the conversation with the most important and current facts about the incident.
• Emphasize the key points you want interviewers to take away

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 12

• If asked a question that the spokesperson doesn’t know, be honest with the reporter or
interviewer about what you do know. Don’t offer any answers or information that haven’t been
confirmed or reported and don’t answer with “no comment.”
• Be aware of body language as you are answering questions.
• Take note of the audience and medium that you are delivering information to.

Possible Trick Questions

• How could safety procedures of BounceU prevented this incident from happening?
• What is the update? Is anyone going to be charged for this incident?
• As the franchise owner, what do you think could have been done to avoid this situation?
• Is Bounce U at fault for this crisis, yes or no?
• Who do you think is to blame for this crisis?
• Do you think this could have been prevented with stricter gun control policies?
• Do you think the shooter is mentally unstable?

Emergency Personnel
Cobb County Police Headquarters: Precinct 1
Phone: (770) 499-4181
cobbpolice.com
2380 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Cobb County Fire Station 8


Phone: (770) 528-8000
cobbcounty.org
2380 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152

WellStar Medical Group Urgent Care


Phone: (770) 426-5665
Fax: (770) 420-1792
https://www.wellstar.org/pages/default.aspx
3805 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, GA 30144

WellStar Kennestone Hospital


Phone: (770) 793-5000
https://www.wellstar.org/pages/default.aspx
677 Church St, Marietta, GA 30060

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 13

Equipment and Supplies Needed


___ Pens

___ Pencils

___ Paper or Notebook

___ List of Emergency Personnel Contacts

___ Cell Phones or Telephones

___ Two-Way Radios

___ Copy of Crisis Communication Plan

___ Television

___ Internet Connection or Cellular Connection

___ Tables

___ Chairs

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 14

Pre-Gathered Information

BounceU of Kennesaw
1634 Cobb International Blvd NW
Kennesaw, GA 30152
(770) 919-2226

Company Profile:
BounceU of Kennesaw is a part of Fun Brands that is the world's largest franchised unit of indoor
inflatable and recreation centers. BounceU prioritizes children to be in a safe, clean, and fun
environment to enjoy with friends and families for many different occasions. BounceU offers open
bounce times, parents’ night out, kids’ camp, and hosts special events.

Definition of Active Shooter:


“An individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated
area. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active shooter situations
are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must
be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation. In most cases, active
shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims” (“Active
shooter,” 2018).

What is basic protocol?


The Department of Homeland Security advises all community’s to be on the same page for an active
shooter. The most efficient and simple protocol advised by DHS is run, hide, and fight. This is the
most effective method for an unpredictable event to save yourself and others. First part of the protocol
is to evacuate safely if possible by following evacuation routes for BounceU of Kennesaw. The second
is to hide if evacuation is not an option and to be out of the shooter’s view, stay protected from shots,
and be able to escape the hiding spot if necessary. The third part of the protocol is to fight for your life
with any means possible, but only if it is necessary.

Who will be contacted for first response?


The 911 call is made ASAP to get local authorities. Luckily BounceU is only four miles away from the
Cobb County Police Headquarters (Precinct 1). The nearest school will also be contacted, which is
Kennesaw Mountain High School.

How is active shooter threat minimized?


BounceU enforces multiple trainings throughout the year to ensure employees are ready for any
situation. We have check ins and waivers to help monitor who comes into BounceU. BounceU
provides clear safety guidelines throughout the playhouse to ensure safety is known by workers and
guests. BounceU has a security system to keep watch of the facility and to catch any suspicious
behavior.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Date)

Active Shooter Incident

KENNESAW, GEORGIA – BounceU of Kennesaw experienced a traumatic active shooter


crisis on (date). There were (#) casualties that BounceU grieves for the losses. [OR] There were (#)
injured at the scene and were transported to Kennestone Hospital immediately for treatment.
Authorities arrested the shooter and the premise is safe.

BounceU will meet with families affected by this tragic event to ensure they are emotionally
well and will offer services to those in need as soon as possible. BounceU will review footage from the
incident to understand how the shooter gained access into the building.

The franchise owner (name) arrived at the scene to console families and workers and to offer
any additional help. (name) stated, “BounceU of Kennesaw is saddened that the safety of many
families was put at risk. Our mission is to provide a safe space for families to leave their children to
play. BounceU puts out our condolences out to all families affected and apologizes for the pain
bestowed from the event. As information comes in, I will personally communicate to the public with
updates. BounceU knows as a community that we can surpass this tragic event to continue to offer a
safe and fun environment”.

Once BounceU has received all information for the event, it will review safety protocol to
ensure all measures were taken. BounceU wants to ensure the public that guest safety is BounceU’s top
priority. Crisis protocols were created prior to this event to prepare BounceU to act.

BounceU of Kennesaw is a part of the world's largest franchised network of indoor inflatable
party and family recreation centers. We are passionate about providing children a safe, clean, fun
environment in which they can celebrate not only their birthdays but have a great time with their
friends. BounceU offers open bounce times, parents’ night out, kids’ camp and hosts special events.
###

Contact: BounceU (770) 919-2226 kennesaw.ga@bounceu.com

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 16

Glossary
Active Shooter: “An individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined

and populated area. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active

shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene,

individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation. In

most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of

victims” (“Active shooter,” 2018).

Hostage: A person taken by force or is involuntarily being controlled for a subject’s demands

(“Hostage,” 2018).

Intruder: A person who forces themselves in without permission (“Intruder,” 2018).

Shooter: “A person who fires a missile-discharging device” (“Shooter,” 2018).

Internet Sources
BounceU of Kennesaw Website:
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/

Cobb County Emergency Management Information Site:


https://cobbcounty.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=650&Itemid
=2230

Cobb County Police Department:


https://cobbcounty.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5379&Itemid=2066

Marietta Police Active Shooter Information Prep:


http://mariettapd.com/701/Active-Shooter-Preparedness

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 17

Key Messages
The following messages should be conveyed to community leaders:
1. Their partnership is a vital component in helping facilitate information and assistance in the
event of an active shooter tragedy.
2. Their influence can assist BounceU and the media by informing the local public with up-to-date
information during and after the incident as well as facilitate dialogue among victims, BounceU
and other stakeholders.
3. Corporate leadership should be in contact with city government officials such as the mayor,
city council, chief of police, state representatives and local, state and federal activists’ groups
(gun control, parents’ groups and etc.) and any other community stakeholders that are directly
involved in this incident.

The following messages should be stressed to local businesses within a five-mile radius of
BounceU:
1. Corporate leadership should reach out and meet with local business owners that to assure them
of the steps they are taking to help victims and its stakeholders.
2. BounceU leadership could also discuss forming a task force with local businesses in the future
to discuss methods and strategies to prevent another active shooter incident.

The following message should be stressed to the First Responders of BounceU Kennesaw:
1. Contacting first responders ASAP is a priority.
2. We will be clear and concise with information needed by first responders.
3. We will accommodate by providing easy access into the building.
4. We will be transparent by keeping first responders up-to-date about active shooter situation.
5. We will be efficient and helpful by aiding first responders to what they need.

The following message should be stressed to local schools of BounceU Kennesaw:


1. Contacting local schools ASAP is a priority.
2. We will be transparent by keeping local schools up-to-date about active shooter situation.
3. We will be clear and concise with information needed by local schools.
4. We will be transparent with the risk for local schools.
5. We will keep the safety of children a priority.

The following message should be stressed to the customers of BounceU Kennesaw:


1. Customers’ safety is our utmost priority.
2. We will be open in our communications through any investigation and all who are concerned.
3. We will improve security measures.
4. We will adjust our policies to be better, safer, more reliable.
5. We will do all of this promptly, with quality and compassion.

The following message should be stressed to the shareholders of BounceU Kennesaw:


1. We will remain financially transparent with our shareholders and their inquiries during the
mending process.
2. We will be open in our communications through any investigation and all who are concerned.
3. We will improve security measures.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 18

4. We will adjust our policies to be better, safer, more reliable.


5. We will do all of this promptly, with quality and compassion.

The following key messages should be stressed to parents in the order indicated:
1. We are deeply sorry about the situation and we are taking active steps to ensure this does not
happen again.
2. Our top priority is to respond quickly and keep parents updated with any important
information.
3. We are working closely with local officials to deal with the situation.
4. Our goal is to rebuild parent's confidence by matching our words with our actions.
5. We are committed to open two-way communication to learn from this incident.

The following key messages should be stressed to the media in the order indicated:
1. At this time, we do not have all the information but we will communicate openly and honestly.
2. As the situation unfolds we will update the media on all important information.
3. We are constantly updating our website and we will make public announcements through the
media.
4. We are dedicated to sharing our safety plans and strategies.
5. We know these are anxious times for our community and we will use all media platforms to
help inform our stakeholders during the incidents.

The following Key messages should be stressed to the executives of BounceU Kennesaw
1. Our top priority is to remain transparent.
2. We will have open communication with our franchise owners and employees.
3. We will communicate early and often throughout the crisis.
4. We will be available to answer question from the media regarding the crisis.
5. We will adjust and improve our safety guidelines to ensure that BounceU is a safe environment.

The following key messages should be stressed to employees of BounceU Kennesaw


1. Our top priority is to ensure the safety of our customers.
2. We will follow the steps of the crisis communication plan and execute them accordingly.
3. We will communicate with law enforcement efficiently and effectively.
4. We will remain calm during the crisis.
5. We will keep our customers informed during the crisis.

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 19

Dissemination of Key Messages


LOCAL TELEVISION NEWS PERSONNEL
Station / Channel Address News Director Phone Fax
WSB-TV Atlanta Atlanta, GA Misti Turnbull 404-897-6276 X
FOX 5 Atlanta Atlanta, GA Mike McClain 404-898-0100 X
CBS 46 (WGCL- Atlanta, GA Steve Doerr 404-327-3200 404-327-3004
TV)

NBC 11Alive Atlanta, GA Jennifer Rigby 404-892-1611 404-881-0675


(WXIA-TV)

LOCAL RADIO NEWS PERSONNEL


Station / Channel Address News Director Phone Fax
News 95.5 and Atlanta, GA Pete Spriggs 404-897-7500 404-897-7363
AM750 WSB

Atlanta News Radio Atlanta, GA Randy Wyles 404-893-6000 X


106.7 (WYAY-FM)

GPB Radio Atlanta Atlanta, GA Tom Barclay 404-625-2400 X

LOCAL NEWSPAPER PERSONNEL


Newspaper Address News Director Phone Fax

The Atlanta Journal- Dunwoody, Kevin Riley 404-526-7003 404-526-5746


Constitution GA

Marietta Daily Journal Marietta, GA Ricky LeRoux 770-428-9411 770-422-9533

The Sentinel - KSU Kennesaw, Marquis Holmes 470-578-6470 470-578-9165


GA

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 20

Website Updates
Memorandum:

To: Webmaster

RE: Active Shooter

Message:

This week BounceU Kennesaw was faced with one of scariest things that could happen, an

individual walked in and opened fire in the walls of BounceU. We are assisting the local police with

anything they need during this tragic time. We will maintain an open line of communication and

provide updates as they become available and appropriate to share. Please use our website and social

media as a source of accurate information. We are working as diligently as possible to ensure that all

parties affected from this tragedy are properly taken care of. Our priority is the safety of our

community. We will strive to help and better our community, as well as our business at BounceU

Kennesaw.

Upload to the website these following pictures:

• First Responders (to acknowledge and thank them)

• Cobb Police (to acknowledge and thank them)

• Hospital staff (to acknowledge and thank them)

Upload to the website these following links:

• Information from Homeland Security on recovering from an active shooter situation.

https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/active-shooter-recovery-guide-08-08-2017-

508.pdf

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 21

• Information on helping kids after a shooting. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-

counselors/professional-development/learn-more/shooting-resources

• Information on coping in the aftermath of a shooting. https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-

center/coping-in-the-aftermath-of-a-shooting

Blog Posts

This afternoon at around 3pm an active shooter opened fire inside of a BounceU location in
Kennesaw, GA. We are unsure of the magnitude of the situation at this moment, but we are in contact
and working with local law enforcement. We are still gathering information and will continue to keep
everyone updated as the situation unfolds. Once we have enough information we will post a statement
with more details. - BounceU

The active shooter (name) entered BounceU Kennesaw and opened fire in the main play area.
There are multiple fatalities and injuries, but no names have been released. The injured have been
brought to hospitals around the area. The situation was diffused when the cobb county police officers
and SWAT team were able to enter the building and take down the shooter and bring he/she into
custody. We will continue to update you as more information comes in.- BounceU

BounceU would like to give condolences to anyone who was hurt by this unspeakable tragedy.
We know that there are no words that can make this time easier. BounceU is ready to learn and grow
from this crisis. We are going to actively make BounceU a safe and enjoyable environment for our
customers. Our team will be working on new safety measures and guidelines to improve the way we
work as a whole. Our top priority is the safety of our customers and employees. - BounceU

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 22

Evaluation
This evaluation plan will be utilized after an active shooter event. It will be used to evaluate the

actions that BounceU did that benefited the company and its stakeholders during the incident and the

areas it could improve upon. The plan needs to be implemented after the event while it is still fresh in

everyone’s memory. This will provide feedback so we can improve our crisis communication by

showing us the areas that we are excelling in and the areas that we need improvement.

1. Stakeholders. Were our stakeholders pleased with how we handled the crisis? Did we prepare our

employees by offering them effective active shooter training and strategy sessions? Did the active

shooter drills make them feel prepared to handle a real-life situation?

2. Media. What was BounceU’s relationship with the media prior to the active shooter incident? What

was the media coverage of BounceU like before, during and after the incident? How did we

respond to media inquiries? Were they satisfied with the responses that were given? What kind of

access were they allowed? What ways could we have been more proactive with our relationship to the

media?

3. Community Relations. Was BounceU involved with the community before the incident? How? If

not, what ways should/could we have been? Were our messages conveyed to the community in a

sensitive, thoughtful way? How did the community react to BounceU during and after the incident?

What ways have we created a positive relationship with the community and if not, what do we need to

do to reestablish one?

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 23

4. Crisis Management Team. Was our team efficient and competent in executing the crisis

communication plan? Did the publics feel that the management team was trustworthy and

knowledgeable? Did the members execute the roles that they were assigned well or poorly? Are there

any members who should be reassigned or replaced on the team? Were they able to perform well under

stress? Did the team have all the resources and equipment to execute their duties and responsibilities?

If not, what else could they have used?

Evaluating Objectives

1. Call 911 (police) within two minutes. This objective can be quantitatively measured. Video cameras

can be watched back to see when the intruder came into the building, and then see what the time was

for the first employee to spot the intruder until the employee called to notify police enforcement. We

can evaluate the quickness of employee’s actions to see if they met the two-minute requirement or if

they went over or under the time limit.

2. Execute active shooter crisis communication protocols within five minutes. This objective will be

measured by looking through video recording and check marking each step the employee takes to

execute the crisis communication plan. Protocols that are missed will be discussed with employees to

understand reasoning behind not following protocol. Also, watching the video will help to evaluate if

any additional protocols should be added to the plan.

3. Informing parents and key publics / stakeholders ASAP. This objective will be measured through

surveys and open public discussion. We will plan an open discussion a week after the crisis to gather

publics to see if they have any comments on how the crisis was communicated clearly to them.

Questions asked will include: if the crisis message was communicated effectively and thoroughly, was

there any information they would have liked to know, if there a better way to contact the publics, and

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 24

was the time period of contacting them appropriate. Also, a survey will be given out with these

questions for those that cannot attend, so BounceU can get as much information as possible to evaluate

best practices and how to improve.

4. Ensure the safety of consumers that are inside the building by communication directions to relocate

them to a designated safe area. Surveys will be provided a week later for customers involved in the

crisis to see if they felt that the guidance from the employees and building were clear, quick, and

effective to get to a safe area, and if these directions to the safe area actually made them feel less at risk

from harm.

5. Training employees every three months with tabletop sessions and drill to fully understand the crisis

plan. Auditing the BounceU to ensure that the Kennesaw location is following through with proper

tabletop sessions and drills. Also, to have employees fill out a questionnaire about if they feel prepared

for a crisis, if anything was unclear, and what was or was not helpful during the trainings. The

efficiency, completion, and wellness of the drill will allow BounceU to visually see if employee

training and tabletops have been effective.

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Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 25

Crisis Inventory Chart - Appendix


TYPE OF CRISIS LIKELIHOOD OF CRISIS POTENTIAL DAMAGE

UNINTENTIONAL CRISIS

NATURAL DISASTERS

EARTHQUAKE 1 4

FLOOD 2 4

TORNADO 2 4

UNEXPECTED FIRE 4 5

HURRICANE 2 4

SNOW 3 2

WINTER STORM 2 3

HAIL 1 1

SEVERE STORMS 4 3

DISEASE OUTBREAKS

INFECTIOUS

SALMONELLA 3 4

STAPH INFECTION 3 4

E. COLI 3 4

WATERBORNE 3 4

CONTAGIOUS

FLU 5 5

CHICKEN POX 1 4

PARASITES 2 4

STDS 1 5

COLD 4 1

MISCELLANEOUS

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Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 26

PEST INFESTATION 3 2

HEART ATTACK 1 2

STROKE 1 2

UNEXPECTED DEATH 2 5

UNFORESEEABLE TECHNICAL INTERACTIONS

UNEXPECTED 2 4
ELECTROCUTION

ACCIDENTAL INJURY 4 3

PRODUCT FAILURE

BROKEN TRAMPOLINES 3 2

POWER FAILURE 3 3

MATERIAL FAILURE 3 3

DOWNTURNS IN THE ECONOMY

RECESSION 2 4

SHARE VALUE 3 1
DECREASE

BANKRUPTCY 2 3

CHANGING TRENDS 4 1

INTENTIONAL CRISIS

TERRORISM

ACTIVE SHOOTER 3 5
SITUATION

BOMB THREAT 1 4

HOSTAGE SITUATION 1 5

BIOTERRORISM 1 5

KIDNAPPING 4 5

SABOTAGE

ARSON 1 5

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Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 27

SLANDER / LIABILITY 3 2

BLACKMAIL 3 2

WORKPLACE
VIOLENCE

PHYSICAL VIOLENCE 3 2

EMOTIONAL ABUSE 3 2

BULLYING 3 2

MENTAL ABUSE 3 2

SEXUAL ASSAULT 3 4

POOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS

HIGH TURNOVER RATE 3 3

SALARY 2 2

HOURS 2 2

CHILDCARE 3 3

POOR RISK
MANAGEMENT

SANITATION 3 2
VIOLATIONS

FOOD SAFETY 3 3

AVOIDING SAFETY 2 4
RECALL

QUALITY MANAGEMENT 3 2

CHOKING HAZARDS 2 4

INFLATABLE 2 1
BABYSITTER SYNDROME

GENERAL SAFETY 3 2
HAZARDS

LACK OF SAFETY 1 5
GUIDELINES

HOSTILE TAKEOVERS

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Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 28

UNEMPLOYMENT 1 1

MANAGEMENT 2 2
REPLACEMENT

COMPANY BUYOUT 3 2

UNETHICAL
LEADERSHIP

TAX EVASION 4 3

DRUG TRAFFICKING 2 4

MONEY LAUNDERING 3 4

HUMAN TRAFFICKING 2 5

INAPPROPRIATE 4 3
LANGUAGE OR
COMMUNICATION

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 29

Crisis Inventory Graph - Appendix

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 30

References
Aboraya, A. (2018). At pulse nightclub, a death toll that might not have been so high. National

Public Radio, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2018/09/26/651629197/at-pulse-

nightclub-a-death-toll-that-might-not-have-been-so-high

Active shooter. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.alicetraining.com/active-shooter/

Caputo, T. (2018). 4 shot near bounce house full of kids in Massachusetts. WWLP 22News.

Retrieved from https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/4-shot-near-bounce-house-full-of-

kids-in-massachusetts/1285004406

Depue, R. (n.d.). Red Flags, Warning Signs and Indicators [Online PDF]. Retrieved from

https://www.uno.edu/counseling-services/documents/redflags.pdf

Hostage. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hostage

Intruder. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intruder

Shooter. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shooter

Washington, A. (2017). 5-year-old girl shot playing in bounce house now paralyzed. WSB-TV

Atlanta. Retrieved from https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/south-fulton-county/5-year-old-

girl-shot-playing-on-bounce-house-now-paralyzed/527703644

https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/

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