Crisis Communications / Issues Management

Although we hope to never need it, HMA Public Relations strongly recommends its clients develop a crisis communications and issues management strategy. A crisis communications and issues management plan ensures that you take appropriate actions in a timely manner when and if a crisis situation arises. The plan, if used correctly, will minimize the impact of a crisis upon the organization and normal business operations. If followed accordingly, this plan will also:

• Prevent long-term damage to the reputation of organization
• Keep confidence and satisfaction among stakeholders
• Maintain successful employee morale
• Protect financial resources and save management time
• Avoid costly litigation

Crisis Plan Goals:

• Provide general guidelines for decision-making prior to and following a crisis situation
• Identify/clarify responsibilities
• Ensure that time is used wisely
• Minimize down time or business disruption
• Ensure accurate, timely, consistent information to employees and media
• Minimize confusion and rumors
• Protect organization’s reputation and brand
• Maintain credible relationship with community, industry and the media to support rebuilding efforts