DEFINITION OF A CRISIS

A Crisis is a generally unexpected company-related event

of a nature or magnitude that meets all of the following
conditions:

• Interrupts normal operations or conduct of business.

• Requires an immediate, coordinated response.

• May require decision-making at higher management

• levels.

• Has the potential to quickly focus extensive news media

and public attention on the company.
“IF YOU ARE NOT SURE IF AN
EMERGENCY AT YOUR SITE IS A
CRISIS, TREAT IT AS A CRISIS.”
ELEMENTS OF A CRISIS:
A TRIGGER--Every crisis has a trigger, an unexpected
event that may alter how people view your organization.
A THREAT--Human lives may be in peril; property or the
environment may be at risk; the company may experience
financial loss; the company’s image may be compromised.
AN UNCONTROLLED SITUATION--The event must
involve turbulent circumstances that make the situation
beyond management’s control for some time.
URGENT ATTENTION--If the first three elements are
present, your company must respond at once to protect
itself.
POSSIBLE INCIDENT RESULTS:
• UNSATISFACTORY NEWS REPORTS.

•POOR PUBLIC IMAGE.

• EMPLOYEE DISCONTENT.

• INCREASED CONCERN OF GOVERNMENT

OFFICIALS.
SOLUTION:
• DEVELOP A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
FOR EMERGENCIES.

• TRAIN THE PEOPLE INVOLVED.

• DRILL THE PLAN.