\u23ec General crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec School crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec University crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Business crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Technology crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Hospitality industry crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Non-profit crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Hospital crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Sports crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Transport & logistics crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ec Agriculture crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Crises represent unpredictable events perceived to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to one definition<\/a>, crisis communication is \u201cThe process of creating and exchanging messages between interdependent stakeholders in conditions of high uncertainty, threats to high-priority goals, and the need for immediate response created by a crisis.<\/em><\/strong>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, crisis communication includes all the messages an organization broadcasts in response to a crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crisis communication can take place internally, within the organization, and externally, towards different groups of stakeholders and the general public. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both internal <\/strong>and external<\/strong> crisis communication are equally important, because: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like to learn about the guiding principles of effective internal crisis communication, read our guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n A crisis communication plan is a set of guidelines, information, and resources that represent a blueprint for a fast and effective response to an emerging crisis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as a crisis management plan, it includes communication steps and operational processes that span the duration of a crisis, from identifying what\u2019s taking place all the way to post-crisis assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It gathers all relevant information in one place and helps organizations formulate and communicate a cohesive and consistent set of messages that will help overcome a crisis \u2014 or at least not make a bad situation even worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Strengthen teams and simplify work with Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n Crisis communication plans come in many shapes and sizes. They can be bare-bones or extremely detailed and can include or exclude certain sets of information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of their format or scope, any comprehensive crisis communication plan should be devised with the following steps in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s see what these steps represent and how each of them contributes to a successful crisis communication strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This step refers to the internal activities at the first notice of an emerging crisis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, this area defines what takes place once a crisis is detected: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This step can easily be considered as step 0 \u2014 the one any organization should implement before a crisis even occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Planning alert mechanisms can be a difficult challenge, especially when you need to get numerous parties notified swiftly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, having alert mechanisms ready before a crisis strikes can give you an undeniable advantage and, in many cases, prevent further escalation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Including your most important stakeholders in a dedicated communication app<\/a> allows for a swift initial reaction, especially when time is of the essence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Need a business communication app? Try Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the context of a crisis communication plan, defining the goal isn\u2019t a vague, abstract mission statement, but a very practical definition of the document\u2019s scope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Defining the goal includes defining your communication plan\u2019s purpose<\/strong> and its communication objectives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, the plan can be intended solely for internal crisis communication, exclusively for the media, the general public, specific groups of stakeholders, or all of the above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask yourself \u2014 what is the main thing we must achieve, and the one thing we need to avoid?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding the scope, the purpose, and the objectives of crisis communication will enable you to devise the right approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a dedicated crisis response team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities is a prerequisite to effective crisis management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A crisis response team is supposed to organize and coordinate a variety of tasks related to 4 main areas of activities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The make-up of a response team will be determined by the specifics of an organization’s work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the general distribution of key roles remains fairly universal, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In any crisis situation, a sharp mind<\/strong>, decisiveness<\/strong>, and a steady approach to problem solving<\/strong> are the most important qualities the key decision maker needs to possess. Keep this in mind when putting together your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest ways to simplify the process of defining responsibilities in a crisis is to have your team organized on a dedicated team communication platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that improved internal communication<\/a> and communication training<\/a> are of utmost importance for any organization, not just in crisis situations, but before a crisis ever emerges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Streamline internal communication with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stakeholders are individuals and groups without whose support organizations would cease to exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on the degree of involvement in the organization, stakeholders can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders allows you to better understand your key communication objectives and target audiences, and address them accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it is often very difficult to exactly predict the timing and the nature of a crisis, we can still prepare for the likelier eventualities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step in this process is assessing the operations and identifying any visible weaknesses and areas at a greater risk of disruptions and instability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you identify any risk areas, you can proceed to formulate related crisis scenarios and prepare the processes and the messaging for a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the crisis has already happened, the primary thing you need to do is to assess the worst-case escalation scenario <\/strong>and try to reduce the chances of it ever happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good team organization and strong team collaboration<\/a> will most likely make or break the effectiveness of your response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a crisis escalates, it is difficult to keep the surrounding conversation under control, particularly in today\u2019s world of social media and other individual platforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizations need to define how they expect their members to handle work-related communication on their personal channels<\/strong> in crisis situations and provide clear actionable guidelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While each organization will define its policies as it best sees fit, experience has shown that rather than attempting to censor or silence employee voices, it is better to embrace social media<\/a> and provide people with reliable information and guidance and enable them to best represent the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the response team can formulate its messages, it must gather all available information on what has taken place and what steps are being taken to manage the crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For this, it is crucial to identify key information holders in different areas of the organization<\/strong>, and either have them included in the response team or readily available for consultation through a dedicated communication channel<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The response team will need to continue to gather reliable information and base its messaging on it through the duration of a crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many crisis management plans include a fact sheet<\/strong> \u2014 a list of all available verified information about a crisis. This helps ensure that the members of the response team (as well as any other involved parties) have the same information and align over its interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centralize team communication with Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This step is the act of preparing the communication through the defined channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A crisis communication plan needs to answer the following key questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Information distribution spans everything from emergency alert systems to media relations, and it also includes internal communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A solid plan will: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf93 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Information distribution grows even more complex in a remote setting. To master keeping everyone in the loop remotely, read our guide<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share information with your team over Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The work of the response team does not end with the de-escalation of a crisis. Post-crisis evaluation of the organization\u2019s response enables you to better prepare for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The response team needs to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The evaluation can be conducted by the members of the response team or a broader group of internal stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf93Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn how to best utilize feedback to evaluate and improve team communication, check out our blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crisis communication in itself does not require a plan \u2014 representatives of a crisis-stricken organization will be required to communicate whether they are prepared for it or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many managers have tried winging<\/em> it<\/em>, and an overwhelming body of empirical proof strongly suggests that it is a bad idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just ask Tony Hayward, the former CEO of British Petroleum and the principal actor of what became known as the worst PR crisis response in history<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a perfect example of just how bad an unplanned crisis communication<\/strong> can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In April 2010, British Petroleum\u2019s (BP) Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana. To this day, it is known as one of the worst environmental disasters in US history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BP\u2019s response came 4 days after the disaster \u2014 and initially shifted the blame to third parties. Failing to demonstrate compassion or concern, the company received a well-deserved backlash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BP\u2019s CEO Tony Hayward’s careless public comments combined with his seemingly indifferent attitude only made things worse. The inconsiderate comments<\/a>, marked as \u201ctone-deaf\u201d, left people feeling marginalized and completely disregarded in the midst of an ecological catastrophe with dire consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The results of this PR nightmare ended up blowing the company\u2019s reputation and offending many endangered individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, a good crisis communication plan<\/strong> can go a long way and, if executed well, even save your business from sustaining a heavy PR and even financial blow. Johnson & Johnson\u2019s approach from 1982 is the perfect example of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That year, 7 people in the Chicago area died after consuming \u201cextra-strength Tylenol capsules\u201d that had been tampered with and laced with cyanide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite J&J\u2019s manufacturing process not being the cause of the disaster, the company faced a major challenge in addressing the situation while ensuring the safety of its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They responded by recalling 30 million bottles of Tylenol from stores across the nation. This recall was voluntary, not mandatory \u2014 meaning it was initiated by the company itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, J&J embraced transparent communication and became the primary source of information<\/a>, even though they had not sought press coverage prior to the disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although recalling the products for reasons that weren’t even their fault meant a significant revenue sacrifice<\/a>, J&J successfully deepened trust and established a good reputation \u2014 something much more valuable in the long run, both financially and PR-wise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to get you up and running on writing your own crisis communication plan, we have prepared several helpful templates \u2014 a universal, all-purpose template, as well as a number of templates modified to suit specific industries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every organization is unique, as are its specific operational circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The templates provided below are intended as a starting point, not the end product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They will help you understand the requirements of a comprehensive crisis communication plan. Of course, organizations are free to exclude any sections they deem irrelevant and expand the plan for any organization-specific or industry-specific information, mechanisms, or guidelines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The templates we have prepared to get you up and running with your crisis communication preparation are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start formulating your own crisis communication plan with a universal and comprehensive template suitable for all organizations, regardless of their size or profession. <\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the General crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Understand the potential risks of school settings and start formulating your response with a crisis communication plan template tailored to the educational environment.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the School crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay on top of all common crisis scenarios in higher education with a university-focused crisis communication plan template. <\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the University crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The volatile world of business is never too far removed from the next crisis. Prepare for what\u2019s to come with this template specifically designed for the business ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Business crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Strengthen teams and simplify work with Pumble \u2014 the all-in-one communication app by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n The increasingly complex world of technology is susceptible to all sorts of disruptions. Stay ahead of the game by planning and preparing for the next inevitable crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Technology crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n From dissatisfied customers to disease outbreaks, the hospitality industry is fertile ground for a variety of crises. Sort out your communication ahead of the next one.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Hospitality industry crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The non-profit sector has seen its share of crises and disruptions, requiring organizations to plan for future turbulence. Stay vigilant and prepared for any eventuality.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Non-profit crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In healthcare, crises are quite common. Prepare to drive and shape the conversation to navigate the slippery slopes of crisis communication.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Hospital crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Egos, entitlement, disgruntled fans, financial \u201ccreativity\u201d \u2014 the world of sports is a constant crisis in the making. Grab hold of any crisis situation by communicating proactively.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Sports crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Transport & logistics are a complex web of interconnected moving parts. Derail one part and you easily derail the whole. The next crisis is right around the corner \u2014 be prepared to respond!<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Transport & Logistics crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Food, air, and water are the building blocks of human life. That\u2019s why every disruption in the agriculture industry can quickly become a full-blown crisis. Enable your organization to manage the surrounding conversation to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n \ud83d\udd3d Download the Agriculture crisis communication plan template<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n A communication app for teams of all kinds. Discuss, share, and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n As we’ve mentioned above, having organized alert mechanisms for the most important parties involved is the quickest way to stay ahead and act swiftly in crisis communication situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to do this is to have your team at the ready \u2014 used to organized communication on a team communication platform like Pumble<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pumble is a digital HQ<\/a> that allows teams to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alleviate tension, simplify your crisis response efforts, and stay sharp with a secure and reliable internal communication hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Crisis](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Crisis-communication-plan-cover.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat is crisis communication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Free team communication app<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a crisis communication plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Empower team communication<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-1@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to make a crisis communication plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step #1: Define the alert mechanisms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #2: Define the goal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step #3: Define team roles and personnel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #4: Identify key stakeholders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #5: Conduct risk assessment and escalation potential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step #6: Define employee guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step #7: Gather the necessary information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step #8: Plan information distribution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step #9: Conduct a post-crisis evaluation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The risks of poor crisis communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unplanned crisis communication example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Planned crisis communication example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Crisis communication plan templates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to use the templates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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General crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"General](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/General-crisis-communication-plan.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSchool crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"School-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/School-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUniversity crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"University-crisis-communication\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/University-crisis-communication.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBusiness crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Business-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Business-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nEmpower team communication<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nTechnology crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Technology-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Technology-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHospitality industry crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hospitality-industry-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Hospitality-industry-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nNon-profit crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Non-profit-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Non-profit-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHospital crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hospital](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Hospital-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSports crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sports-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Sports-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTransport & logistics crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Transport-logistics-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Transport-logistics-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAgriculture crisis communication plan template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Agriculture-crisis-communication-plan-min\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Agriculture-crisis-communication-plan-min-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAll-in-one digital HQ<\/h2>\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/pumble\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nStay one step ahead of the unexpected with Pumble by CAKE.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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