Summary

Wrapping things up.

This guide should provide you with enough of a foundation in crisis management to get started. It is by no means comprehensive, as there are simply too many variables to be factored in, such as your industry, company size, experience managing crises, location, etc. to cover every conceivable scenario.

We hope you will consider creating a plan sooner or later. The ability of your business to soldier on when a crisis strikes is not only good for your bottom line, but good for your employees, customers and Washington’s economy.

You don’t have to start with a grandiose plan either. Instead, start simple. For example, ask yourself if an earthquake were to happen tomorrow, what emergency supplies should be on hand to care for your employees if they have to shelter in place. This would include such things as flashlights, first aid kits, emergency rations, water and even a whistle at workstations so you can tell if someone is trapped if part of the building collapsed or an office door became jammed.

The success of a well-crafted crisis plan isn’t in the planning or the paperwork, but in the ability to successfully meet a crisis head on, weather it with confidence, and emerge from the other side. As noted at the beginning of this guide, a crisis isn’t a matter of if, but when.

When the next crisis strikes, will you be ready? And if you’re ready, will the situation be a challenge, an opportunity, or both?

For more information, research “crisis planning” or “crisis communications” online or in your local library or bookstore. Amazon.com also has a wide selection of books available on the subject of crisis planning and communications.