Angelo State University

Angelo State University: Crisis Communication Plan

Created: October 22, 2018

Last Revised: December 3rd , 2018

Prepared by Alex Haag, Timothy McKee, Justice Medina, and Gage Slaughter
Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Acknowledgement Form……………………………………………………….………………….4
Rehearsal Dates…………………………………………………………………………...……….5
Purpose and Objective………………………………………………………………………....….6
Crisis Management Team Contact Flow Chart…………………………………………………....7
Crisis Management Contact Sheet…………………………………………………………..…….8
Threat Analysis…………………………………………………………………….…………….10
Key Publics……………………………………………………………………………...……….12
Notifying Publics……………………………………………………………………..………….13
Media Spokesperson ………………………………………………………………….…………14
Emergency Personnel and Local Officials …………………………………………....…………15
Key Media……………………………………………………………………………….……….16
Sample Press Releases………………………………………………………………..………….17
Tornado…………………………………………………………………………………..17
Alcohol Abuse……………………………………………………………..…………….18
Hazing………………………………………………..…………………….....………….19
Faculty Misconduct…………………………………………………………....…………20
School Shooting………………………………………………………….………………21
Press Conference Script, School Shooting………………………………….……………………22
Crisis Control Center Location and Description…………………....……………………………24
Evaluation Form………………………………………………….………………………………25
Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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INTRODUCTION

Dear Executive Team and Employees,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for all of the hard work you put

into the everyday operations of Angelo State University day in and day out. I am truly proud to

be a representative of this university. With that said, I would like to bestow my most sincere

wishes to you all that you will take this Crisis Contingency Plan seriously. As one of the most

admired universities in the region, we must be sure we are always looking out for our students,

and fellow faculty and staff. In the case of an extreme emergency, it is of the utmost importance

that each employee understands how to respond. Our Crisis Communications team has worked

diligently to create the following plan in preparation for a crisis, should one ever occur. It is your

responsibility during a crisis to know what your duties are. This plan will lay out all the

information you will need if ever responding to any of the following crises. Failure to

comprehend this plan will result in absolute chaos that will be detrimental to our University as a

whole. We are relying on you to take the initiative to prepare for crises. By preparing for a

potential crisis, we are ensuring the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff.

Thank you for your devotion to our endeavors.

Sincerely,

Your Crisis Management Team

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Acknowledgement Form

To Employees of Angelo State University,

Thank you very much for assisting us in collecting the needed information for developing this
crisis communication plan. It is crucial that we work collaboratively as a team to work through
crisis should they occur. I cannot put into words how important it is that you understand your
part in responding to crisis. For this purpose I am requesting that you sign and date this sheet
acknowledging that you have read through the crisis plan, plan to be present on the rehearsal
date, and put the crisis plan into action in the event of an actual emergency. Please turn this
completed sheet into your department head as proof of your commitment to our goal by January
28th, 2018. Rehearsal dates are listed in this plan and you will be notified of any changes
between now and the scheduled dates. If you have any questions or concerns please do not
hesitate to ask or make them known. Our Public Relations team is on call if such need emerges.
Again, thank you very much for your participation and dedication to Angelo State University.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian May
President of Angelo State University

I have thoroughly read the following crisis plan and acknowledge that I am able to fulfill my role
should the plan be put to action.

_________________________ ____________

Name (print) Date

_________________________ _____________

Signature Date
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Rehearsal Dates

The crisis communication plan for a active shooter on campus will be practiced ​bi-annually​.

The dates for the next five years are recorded below:

2018:

Wednesday, January 31

Wednesday, September 5

2019:

Wednesday, January 30

Wednesday, September 4

2020:

Wednesday, January 29

Wednesday, September 2

2021:

Wednesday, January 27

Wednesday, September 1

2022:

Wednesday, January 26

Wednesday, August 31
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Purpose and Objectives

Purpose:

● To productively handle crisis in a way that gives confidence for a recovery and return to

normalcy

● To be transparent and straightforward with the public and media at all times

● To act upon a crisis instantly and with the intent to minimize damage

Objectives:

● To be seen by the public as a university that cares about its students and employees

● To communicate correctly and effectively during crisis

● To ensure we are doing everything attainable that a situation allows to guarantee the

safety of our students and employees

● To make certain we understand the causes of crisis and take measures to prevent them in

the future
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Crisis Management Team Contact Flow Chart

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Crisis Management Team Contact Sheet

Work Phone Cell Phone Home Phone E-Mail

Organization

President, 325-867-5309 678-999-8212 325-245-8989 brian.may@angelo.edu

Dr. Brian May

Chancellor, 325-237-4458 325-894-9875 325-245-8986 tedd.mitchell@ttu.edu

Tedd L. Mitchell

Provost of Academic Affairs, 325-237-4459 325-698-3254 325-245-8984 don.topliff@angelo.edu

Donald R. Topliff

VP of Development and Alumni 325-237-4460 325-987-6321 325-245-8980 jamie.akins@angelo.edu

Affairs,
Jamie Davis Akins

VP of Finance of Administration, 325-237-4461 325-321-4578 325-245-8987 angie.wright@angelo.ed​u

Angie Wright

VP of Student Affairs and 325-237-4462 325-963-9523 325-245-8999 javier.flores@angelo.edu

Enrollment Management,
Javier Flores

Academic Deans

College of Arts and Humanities, 325-237-4463 325-784-6598 325-245-8080 caroline.gascoigne@angelo.

Caroline Gascoigne edu

Archer College of Health and 325-237-4464 325-984-6352 325-245-9090 leslie.mayrand@angelo.edu

Human Services, Leslie Mayrand

Freshman College, 325-237-4465 325-353-8352 325-245-9080 john.wegner@angelo.edu

John Wegner Jr.

Norris-Vincent College of 325-237-4466 325-926-3685 325-245-8354 clifton.jones@angelo.edu

Business,
Clifton Jones

College of Graduate Studies and 325-237-4467 325-385-3986 325-245-9254 susan.keith@angelo.edu

Research,
Susan Keith
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College of Education, 325-237-4468 325-287-2394 325-245-0355 john.miazaga@angelo.edu

John Miazga

Board of Regents

Chairman, 325-237-4469 325-234-2353 325-254-9065 tim.lancaster@angelo.edu

Tim Lancaster

Vice Chairman, 325-237-4470 325-233-2222 325-254-9066 Chris.Huck@angelo.edu

Christopher M. Huckabee

John Esparza 325-237-4471 325-232-7235 325-254-9067 John.Esparza@angelo.edu

L. Frederick Francis 325-237-4472 325-000-2342 325-254-9068 L.Fred@angelo.edu

Mickey L. Long 325-237-4473 325-242-0134 325-254-9069 Mickey.Long@angelo.edu

Ronnie Hammonds 325-237-4474 325-256-5724 325-254-9070 Ronnie.Hamm@angelo.edu

J. Michael Lewis 325-237-4475 325-523-6224 325-254-9071 J.Micheal@angelo.edu

John Steinmetz 325-237-4476 325-621-7423 325-254-9072 john.stein@angelo.edu

John Walker 325-237-4477 325-423-6624 325-254-9073 john.walker@angelo.edu

Public Relations

Alex Haag 325-237-4478 325-768-4246 325-254-9074 ahaag1@angeo.edu

Timothy Mckee 325-237-4479 325-256-7322 325-254-9075 tmckee@angelo.edu

Justice Medina 325-237-4480 325-626-7302 325-254-9076 jmedina18@angelo.edu

Gage Slaughter 325-237-4481 325-217-8503 325-254-9077 gslaughter@angelo.edu

Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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Threat Analysis

The purpose of this Threat Analysis is to determine which potential crises have the ability
to affect Angelo State University the most. We have chosen to use the LxSIxOI method. This
takes the Likelihood (L) that a situation will happen and multiplies it by the Stakeholder Impact
(SI) and Organizational Impact (OI). Likelihood is determined by how likely a specific crisis will
happen based of off current trends and policies. Stakeholder Impact is determined by the
potential impact a crisis will have on our internal and external sources. The Organizational
Impact is determined by the potential impact a crisis will have on the Organizations’, Angelo
State University, ability to obtain its long term goals of increased revenue from a larger student
population and increased quality of education. All three factors are based on a 1-10 scale, with
one being the lowest and 10 being the highest.
The table on the following page is broken into Six Parts. Each part is labeled as different
types of crises. These include:
1. Human-Error Accident: When human error causes an accident
2. Malevolence: When some outside actor or opponent employs extreme tactics to attack the
organization, such as product tampering, kidnapping, terrorism, or computer hacking
3. Workplace Violence: When an employee or former employee commits violence against
other employees on the organization’s grounds
4. Organizational Misdeed: ​Organizational misdeeds: ​When management takes actions it
knows may place stakeholders at risk or knowingly violates the law
5. Challenges: When the organization is confronted by discontented stakeholders with
claims that it is operating in an inappropriate manner
6. Operational Disruption from Disaster: When organizational routines are disrupted by
disasters; this includes an organization needing to close or to operate at reduced capacity
due to a disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic ash, flooding, or health
emergencies
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Type Name L SI OI Total

Human-Error Fire- Accidental 3 4 7 84

Accident

Accident Involving 2 3 2 12
External Source

Underage Drinking 8 2 4 64
Through University
Sponsored Event

False Acceptance 2 6 6 72
Emails

Suicide on Campus 2 4 3 24

Malevolence School Shooting 4 8 9 288

Fire- Arson 2 5 7 70

Workplace Bullying 8 4 1 32
Violence

Faculty Misconduct 4 6 5 120

Organizational Greek Life- Alcohol 9 4 5 180

Misdeeds Abuse

Greek Life- Hazing 8 3 4 96

Challenges Transport 2 5 6 60
Violation

Unexpected Behavior 4 4 5 80
From Talent

Operational Flooding 7 2 2 28
Disruption From
Disaster

Tornado 3 5 6 90
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Key Publics

● President of College

● Board Members

● Department Heads

● Stakeholders

● Faculty

● Students

● Legal Representative

● Financial Partners

● Community Leaders

● Investors

● Business Partners

● Surrounding Schools

● Media
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Notifying Publics

Internal Publics

● President of college ● Stakeholders

● Board Members ● Faculty

● Department Heads ● Students

These internal publics should be notified first in the case of an emergency. There may be

circumstances in which critical personnel are notified first and then all other employees shortly

thereafter. These publics need to be notified first to ensure a crisis remains under control. A

memo should be sent to these publics via e-mail as soon as a crisis occurs. Updates should

follow. In a circumstance where email is unavailable, the personnel who discover the crisis

should contact the President of the Campus, who will in turn contact the Deans and Department

Heads, who will continue the chain and contact the remain publics.

External Publics

● Legal Representative ● Business Partners

● Financial Partners ● Surrounding Schools

● Community Leaders ● Media

● Investors

Since the external public is larger and, more likely than not, harder to reach a different

mode of notification needs to be used. A press release or press conference can be used to reach

most external sources. Angelo State University will provide information and update information

in real time on their website about any crisis.

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Media Spokesperson

In a school shooting, it is important that the spokesperson is knowledgeable about all Angelo

State University related components that might affect the crisis. Because a school shooting can

have significant impact and loss of life, Timothy Mckee, Director of Public Relations will be the

head spokesperson for school shootings. He will be assisted by Justice Medina, Chief of San

Angelo Police Department, as well as Gage Slaughter, Chief Physician at Shannon Hospital and

Alex Haag, Head of Counseling services. Spokespeople should utilize concise language, pleasant

demeanor, and an appearance that is empathetic, concerned and impartial.

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Emergency Personal and Local Officials

Below is a list of emergency personnel that should be contacted in case of an emergency.

Frank Carter
San Angelo Police Department, Chief of Police
401 E. Beauregard Ave,
San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone: (325) 657-4336
Email: ​frank.carter@sanangelopolice.org

Chris Barnett
Shannon Medical Center, Chief Medical Officer
120 E. Harris Ave,
San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone: (325) 658-1511
Email: ​chris.barnett@shannon.org

Brian Dunn
San Angelo Fire Department Station #7, Fire Chief
21 Executive Dr,
San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone: (325) 657-9376
Email: ​bdunn@safd.org

Kevin Wade
West Texas Counseling and Guidance, Clinical Director
36 E. Twohig Ave, 6th Floor
San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone: (325) 944-2561
Email: ​kevinw@wtcg.us
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Key Media

Below is a list of our key media contacts. In the event of an emergency they are to be contacted

and invited to press briefings or made aware of press releases. Listed are general media who can

reach key publics.

Stacie Vest
KIDY Program Manager
5 S. Chadbourne St,
San Angelo, TX 76902
Phone: ​(325) 655-6006
Email: svest@kidy.org

David Wagner
KLST News Director
2800 Armstrong St,
San Angelo, Texas 76903
Phone: ​(325) 659-2409
Email: dwagner@klst.org

John Doe
San Angelo Standard Times News Director
34 W. Harris St,
San Angelo, Texas 76903
Phone: ​325-659-8100
Email: jdoe@sast.org
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12-6-18

______________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT 1: Timothy McKee 325-237-4479

Tornado Turns ASU Campus Upside Down

[SAN ANGELO, TX, 12/6]

A Tornado has torn through the Angelo State University Campus leaving destruction in
its wake. ASU has ceased all campus operations until the campus can resume its normal
operations in a safe manner.
A severe thunderstorm occurred on 12-6-18 and quickly produced tornadic activity. All
Angelo State University faculty, staff, and students have been impacted. Dr. Brian May,
University President, said, “I can assure you that though ASU has been severely affected, we
have taken every measure to guarantee the safety of all ASU constituents.”
A natural disaster of this magnitude has never happened on or near the ASU campus
since its founding in 1928. The San Angelo area first responders reacted quickly and efficiently.
Texan Hall and the Junell Center sustained the most damage, luckily all residents of Texan Hall
are safe. Both Massey Dormitories received major damage including broken windows, worn
roof, water damage, damaged interior.
The affected parties include: Angelo State University, including faculty, staff and
students, the City of San Angelo and the surrounding Concho Valley, residents near the
university campus, and first responders and their families.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/26/18

______________________________________________________________________________
CONTACT 1: Gage Slaughter 325-217-8503

Three Drunken Rams Throw up a Cocktail

Three young men are hospitalized after suffering from alcohol poisoning during local frat party

San Angelo, Tx November, 26th

Three young men are put in the hospital after suffering from alcohol poisoning due to
negligence from the school and the peers they were with, this is probably due to a lack of
education and lack of attention. If this is something that can happen to these three people then it
can happen to anyone and it would do some good to educate the students in this matter.
On the night of November 25th, 2018 three boys, Marco and Emilio Cruces and their
mutual friend Marshall Fredrickson, ventured out to a party at Pike and little did they know it’d
lead them straight to the hospital by morning. The three close friends went on a drinking binge
and neither of the three watched how much they were taking in, neither did anyone around them.
By the morning when everyone was cleared out the three boys were unconscious in various
rooms of the house and were promptly rushed to the hospital after they didn’t wake up which
caused a student, Melanie White, to call emergency services. “I tried to wake them up but… they
didn’t get up and I panicked and called an ambulance...” -Melanie White
This is the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth reportings of alcohol abuse this semester and
needs to stop, at the rate it’s going students won’t learn the danger of alcohol until it’s too late.
It’s likely that the school needs to increase it alcohol awareness program and better teach their
students that if they do drink that they should do it safely.
The Shannon Hospital is the hospital that took Marco, Emilio, and Marshall to treat them.
If not for Melanie we might imagine that the boys might’ve been worse for wear than compared
to their current condition. The head of Pike is being reprimanded by the university for the
negligence.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ​SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH,

2019
______________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT 1: Alexandra Haag 210-240-4251

Fraternity Pledge Hazed to Death

SAN ANGELO, TX SEPTEMBER 13th, 2019

An Angelo State University student was found dead due to hazing at the Pi Kappa Alpha
fraternity house. The incident has prompted that all Greek life activities be suspended on the
Angelo State University campus until further notice.
Nick Ellis, a Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity pledge, along with other pledges, was forced by
active fraternity members on Friday night to consume alcohol if they answered questions about
the fraternity wrong. After receiving a call from a fraternity member, paramedics found Nick
Ellis unresponsive at the house at about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and were unable to revive him.
Paramedic at the scene, Gabriella Zuniga, states, “At the time of his death, his blood alcohol
level was .495, which is the highest I have ever seen.”
There have not been any other hazing related deaths that have occurred at Angelo State
University. According to stophazing.org, 73% of students in a social fraternity or sorority have
experienced at least one hazing behavior. Due to the death of Nick Ellis, University President,
Dr. Brian May, has suspended all Greek life activities on campus until a thorough review of the
Greek Affairs system is completed. This means that all chapters are prohibited from holding
chapter events, social functions, new-member events, and philanthropic events until further
notice.
Angelo State University is a public university in the Texas Tech system. The university
was established in 1928. The President of the University is Dr. Brian May.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/26/18

______________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT 1: Justice Medina 210-309-5303

Inappropriate Relations between Professor and Student

SAN ANGELO, TX [MONTH/DAY]

A Communication professor at Angelo State University is under investigation following

allegations of having sexual relations with a freshman student for the past three months.
For three months, Communication professor, Dr. Trump was found exchanging
inappropriate text messages with one of his students, spending time with this student after hours
and even altering this student’s grade in a positive way. The student’s parents were disheartened
when they found these texts messages in their daughter’s phone, and they reported the
relationship to the Communication Department Head. Her father stated, “I never thought our
little angel would be caught doing something like this with one of her professors.”
According to Texas Education Agency, they have opened nearly 430 cases of such
improper relations, a 42 percent increase from the previous year. The professor was terminated
from the University. The student was put on suspension until the next semester.
Angelo State University was established in 1928. Dr. Brian May is currently serving as
the University’s President. Angelo State University stands behind their strict rule against
Academic Misconduct and unprofessional relations between professors and students.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6th, 2018

______________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT 1: Justice Medina 210-309-5303

CONTACT 2: Alexandra Haag 210-240-4251

Shots Fired at Angelo State University

SAN ANGELO, TX December, 6th, 2018

An active shooter fired multiple shots inside the Houston Harte University Center on the
Angelo State University campus. There have been fatalities and injuries involved.
Tim Slaughter actively started shooting at students passing by in the University Center at
12:00 pm on Thursday. Several casualties have been confirmed as well as 7 transported to
Shannon Hospital with injuries. Slaughter has been taken into custody by the San Angelo Police
Department. Chief of Police, Justice Medina states, “The campus has been cleared and the
students and staff have been relocated and are now in the process of being reunited with their
families.”
According to businessinsider.com, there have been 307 mass shootings in the U.S so far
in 2018. This will be the 308​th​ mass shooting of the year. The University is currently working to
make the campus more secure, so students will feel safe. As far as the national level, the
government has yet to change gun control policies to ensure safety in our country.
Angelo State University was established in 1928. Dr. Brian May is currently serving as
the University’s President. Due to the Texas Senate Bill 11, Angelo State University is currently
allows campus carry, but with many restrictions such as the permit holder must be 21 and older
with no criminal background and must abide by the prohibited carry areas. The Houston Harte
University Center is a prohibited campus carry facility.
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Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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Press Conference Script

Tim: ​Good afternoon, my name is Timothy McKee and I am the​ ​Director of Public Relations at

Angelo State University. It is with great sadness that I stand here today to share with you that we

experienced an unthinkable tragedy at our university this afternoon. We are grieving the loss of

members of our Angelo State University Ram Fam. We have received an outpouring of support

from across the state and we deeply appreciate the continued prayers for our faculty, staff,

students and community. I am now going to turn it over to the San Angelo Chief of Police,

Justice Medina. He will go over the specific details that we have at this time.

Justice:​​ Hi. I am Justice Medina, San Angelo’s Chief of Police. As you are aware a horrific

event occurred here at angelo state university. this time the campus has been cleared, all the

students and staff have been relocated at a reunification site and there in the process being

reunited with their families. We have one suspect in custody and one person of interest detained..

Anyone with information regarding the event is asked to contact the San Angelo Police

Department at area code 325-657-4315. Now I am going to turn it over to Chief Physician, Gage

Slaughter.

Gage Slaughter:​​ I’m Gage Slaughter, the Chief Physician at Shannon Hospital. We know there

have been at least 7 injured transported to the Shannon Hospital, including one university police

officer who was shot while responding to an active shooter alert. We can confirm several

fatalities believed to be fewer than 8 at the time. We will not release any other information till

we have a confirmed number.

Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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Press Conference Briefing Cont.

Alex​​: Hi, I’m Alex Haag, head of counseling services here at Angelo State University. Due to

this tragedy, it’s important to make known that the counseling services in the university clinic

will be offered for all students, faculty, and anyone else who was involved. We have extended

our hours to 8 am - 5 pm monday through friday due to the recent events. We also have the 24 hr

7 days a week, ASU Helpline, and the number for that is ​325-486-6345​. ​Every visit and call is

confidential so do not hesitate to seek help if needed.​ ​It is important that ​we don’t let anyone’s

voice go unheard or go through this tragedy alone.

Tim:​​ This is all the information we have at this time. We will keep you all informed as our

investigations progress. Thank you.

Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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Crisis Control Center Location and Description

Houston Harte University Center 2601 W Ave. N,

San Angelo, Tx 76909

Conference room B01D

Equipment:

Multiple landlines will be available for communication with appropriate personnel as will

computers be available for use as means of other communication. There will be a first aid kit and

a fire extinguisher.
Angelo State University Crisis Communication Plan
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Evaluation Form
The following is an evaluation form to provide feedback about the efficiency of this crisis
communication training guide. Please fill out this form and return it to your department head.
This is a necessary step in helping us figure out how to better prepare for our emergencies. We
thank you for your support and feedback. On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being very little and 5
being very much, please rate the following statements:
1. I understand my roles in preventing and handling crises.
1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. I understand the chain of command in notifying executives and others during a crisis.
1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

3. I agree with dates proposed for bi-annual crisis communication rehearsal.

1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

4. If my contact information has been provided in this plan, it is correct.

1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

5. I understand what materials are needed during a crisis and am capable of gathering them.
1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. I understand my responsibility in notifying personnel if I notice threats at any time.
1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

7. How comfortable are you with preparing a press briefing?

1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

8. How comfortable are you with the crisis communication plan as a whole? Please provide
feedback about what could be improved.
1 2 3 4 5
Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________