Crisis Communications
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KEEP SCHOOLS SAFE
September 28, 2009
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
Communications is a critical component of crisis management. School staff members and students must be told what is happening and what to do. Parents must also be informed about the (crisis) situation, including the status of their child. Timely contact with law enforcement and other emergency services is also necessary for effective response. School Board members must also be advised, as well as the press, not to mention the PTA and other organizations supportive of the school.
When a crisis goes down, there are some practices which school administrators might find helpful, including the following:
v An E-Mail Tree using a carefully crafted statement notifying staff of a crisis event when they are not at school.
v A Telephone Tree.
v The Morning Faculty Meeting includes an early, brief meeting providing a chance to give accurate, updated info about the crisis/situation and to review procedures, including the availability of intervention resources.
v The End-of-Day Faculty Meeting provides a chance to review day one, update information, and plan for day two. Misinformation or rumors can be addressed before staff members go home or into the community where they will likely to be asked about the event.
More On Communications in the School, Etc. in the next post.
Stay safe.
Hammer
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Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Harry A Widger
Filed under: Administrators, College, Disasters, High School, K-6, Parents, People Involved, School Grade Level, Students
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