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Crisis Communication Plan Word
Crisis Communication Plan Word
DEVELOPED BY
Matt Mannheimer
Kendra Marshall
Isabelle Martinez
Morgan Mezile
Sara Mitchell
Damie Omole
1
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
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
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
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.
• Violent aggression
• Stalking behavior
• Paranoia
• 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
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
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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 5
No, an active shooter situation has not yet happened at BounceU of Kennesaw. However, it is
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 6
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/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 8
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
Objectives
4. Ensure the safety of consumers that are inside the building by communicating directions to
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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 10
CRISIS COMMUNICATION
MANAGER
BACKUP CRISIS
COMMUNICATION
MANAGER
ASSISTANT CRISIS
COMMUNICATION
MANAGER LAUREN
TEBBENHOFF
DUTIES: Contacts key publics X X X
and assists the Crisis
Communication Manager.
SPOKESPERSON #1
SUBJECT-MATTER
EXPERT
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
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
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
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.
• 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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 13
___ Pencils
___ Television
___ 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.
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 15
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.
###
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
Hostage: A person taken by force or is involuntarily being controlled for a subject’s demands
(“Hostage,” 2018).
Internet Sources
BounceU of Kennesaw Website:
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
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.
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 18
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.
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 19
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 20
Website Updates
Memorandum:
To: Webmaster
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.
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
counselors/professional-development/learn-more/shooting-resources
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
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?
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
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
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
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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 25
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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
Active Shooter Crisis Plan – BounceU of Kennesaw 26
PEST INFESTATION 3 2
HEART ATTACK 1 2
STROKE 1 2
UNEXPECTED DEATH 2 5
UNEXPECTED 2 4
ELECTROCUTION
ACCIDENTAL INJURY 4 3
PRODUCT FAILURE
BROKEN TRAMPOLINES 3 2
POWER FAILURE 3 3
MATERIAL FAILURE 3 3
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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
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
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
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/
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
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
nightclub-a-death-toll-that-might-not-have-been-so-high
Caputo, T. (2018). 4 shot near bounce house full of kids in Massachusetts. WWLP 22News.
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
Washington, A. (2017). 5-year-old girl shot playing in bounce house now paralyzed. WSB-TV
girl-shot-playing-on-bounce-house-now-paralyzed/527703644
https://www.bounceu.com/kennesaw-ga/