When it comes to crisis response mitigation, nothing works better than being prepared. Having a crisis plan in place before you need one is the best way to come out on top when an emergency strikes. It is a key concept in crisis communications.

Proactive damage control hinges on planning. Crisis preparation involves anticipating what could go wrong and having a plan in place to deal with any fallout if something goes south.

By its nature, crisis response is reactive. A disaster occurs and you react to address the issue. But there are ways to be proactive and mitigate the chaos.

Why Crisis PR Matters

Crisis PR experts will tell you that disaster is predictable. It will happen. It is not a matter of if, but when something will go wrong. Being prepared for any number of scenarios is the best way to be ready to respond efficiently and quickly. 

Whether you work in the financial sector, the tech industry, education, non-profit or food service, something will eventually go wrong, and you need to be prepared. Crisis PR focuses on what you can do to prepare for the worst, so you are ready to react efficiently and with purpose.

Having a @RedBanyan crisis plan in place before you need one can save you from disaster! #prepare Click To Tweet

Do you know how you would communicate with the public or reach out to your customers in the case of a data breach, a natural disaster or some other type of system failure? Strategic communications planning can determine an organization’s ability to weather a disaster.

Here are three tactics to prepare for a pr crisis:

  1. Designate a spokesperson: Having an assigned spokesperson to handle communications during a crisis is a good way to control your organization’s messaging and keep a handle on what information is being released and what is being said about your company’s position. If too many people speak with the media or answer questions from the public, you may unwittingly be sharing conflicting or outdated information. Spokesperson training is a good idea to ensure your designee knows what to expect.
  2. Control the narrative: Do not wait to respond to someone else’s version of the truth. Tell your organization’s side of the story before someone else shares their view. It is easier to tell your own story than to respond to someone else’s. Telling your side of the story first puts your organization in the driver’s seat.
  3. Monitor your social media: Bad news always travels fast and when it comes to social media, negative news can spread like lightning. With the mere click of a mouse, rumors or half-truths can gain legitimacy and make a bad situation worse.

Make sure to answer bad reviews and offer helpful information in response to queries for assistance. Do not ignore falsehoods. Provide followers with correct information to set the record straight. Incorrect information can spiral out of control quickly if you do not take action to take control. 

Need help planning for a crisis? The crisis PR professionals at Red Banyan have the skills and experience to prepare you for the worst so you will be able to address any emergency with confidence. Our team of crisis communications experts is expertly trained in media relations, reputation rehabilitation and press outreach. Contact us before disaster strikes so you are prepared ahead of time.

No matter if things are going well now, you should always prepare for a crisis to occur. Don’t worry, this doesn’t make you a pessimist. Instead, it makes you proactive.

Proactive damage control is what you do to reduce or prevent the effects of a crisis before it occurs. For example, adding security software that records and backs up company data will help you avoid a malware crisis. Additionally, you can train your employees to watch out for suspicious or harmful emails that might reach their inboxes.

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