Three Tips for Managing Communication During a Crisis

In a crisis, managing communication accelerates response and recovery efforts. Sending timely, accurate updates during a crisis helps affected individuals respond accordingly. An organization that sends these messages can minimize the loss of life and property.

Communication is vital throughout a crisis. An organization that leverages all of the communication tools at its disposal can plan ahead for a blizzard, hurricane, power outage, or other critical incidents. With an effective crisis management plan, an organization is able to send up-to-the-minute alerts to affected individuals.

When disruptive events happen, how will you manage communication? Consider the following tips to effectively manage communication before, during, and after a crisis:

1. Use an emergency notification system regularly – “Routine” use of an emergency notification system ensures that an organization is ready for a crisis before it occurs. Use an emergency notification system to conduct readiness checks or provide regular updates to prepare to send critical alerts in both minor and life-threatening situations.

2. Teach people about the system – What do emergency notifications look like? Who sends emergency alerts? Why should people sign up to receive these updates? Teach people about an emergency notification system before they enroll. By doing so, people can learn about the system and its benefits, and opt-in to receive emergency alerts based on their preferences.

3. Establish system guidelines – Control and maintain the system. Determine who can send messages and conduct emergency preparedness and response exercises to teach system users how to send alerts. These drills can include discussion- and operations-based activities, and can be completed periodically to ensure that an organization can reach its target audience in an emergency.

Take control of a crisis – manage communication throughout the lifecycle of an incident to protect affected individuals. To learn more about how to manage communication during disruptive events, check out this webinar replay.