Do You Have a Crisis Communication Plan?

According to Stevenson University, less than 50% of PR professionals have effective crisis communication plans in place. This can create serious issues for businesses and an overwhelming lack of preparation. Here are some things you may want to know about crisis communication plans and why they are important.

What Is a Crisis Communication Plan?

The crisis communication plan acts as a blueprint for a business in times of crisis. It's a plan that allows them to respond immediately. A crisis communication plan is one of the most important components of disaster preparedness for businesses. As a business, you must be able to communicate and respond promptly, confidently, and accurately in times of emergency and during the hours, days, and weeks that follow. A lot of different audiences need to be reached with information specific to their needs and interests. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of your crisis communication plan can impact how the public sees your business, which is why many businesses prefer to work with a PR agency to ensure they have a proper crisis communication plan in place.

Why Is a Crisis Communication Plan Important?

In times of emergency, it's crucial to be able to communicate effectively. If there are some disruptions in your business, customers will want to know what's happening and how they will be impacted. You may also need to notify regulators and local government officials. All of these players will want to know what's happening in their community. Lastly, you will also need to inform employees and their families so they don't end up feeling threatened. All of these people will need information as soon as possible and, in most instances, before the business is able to communicate. This is why you need a crisis communication plan.

How to Come Up With an Effective Crisis Communication Plan

It's important to know how to come up with an effective crisis communication plan. The first step in developing that plan is to understand your potential audiences. Each of your audience will want to know how the crisis affects them. You also need to know how to script messages that are specific to the interest of each segment of your audience. Lastly, you should figure out how to utilize your existing resources to gather and disseminate information during times of crisis and after. If you are not sure how to draft a proper crisis communication plan, hiring a PR agency may be a good idea.It's important to always have a crisis communication plan in place. That will control how the public and other stakeholders view your business during times of crisis. Are you having trouble coming up with an effective crisis communication plan? Get in touch with our PR agency today, and we will assist you.