An unidentified chemical agent has caused the death of three persons found pale and choking as they exited the elevator of a 50-story office building located in Gotham City. The building is owned and used by Semiconductor Systems, Inc. (SSInc). The individuals are transported to the nearest hospital where they later succumbed. All elevators are sealed and the proper authorities are notified. John James, owner of Semiconductor Systems knows that his communications manager has attended NIMS training. The manager briefed the company’s officers following the training, which James directed him to take after 9/11. SSInc. Has 900 employees. You are the communications manager. He calls you into his office and charges you with handling the incident.
Consider the scale of this incident and its potential for more harm. Who will be the participants? Think about the sensitive security issues that may surround your type of company.
In a 3-5 page paper you should outline your plan for effective communication to manage this situation. Address the following points:
- Assess the crisis. What concerns are there for the organization and the public?
- Communication objectives: Define your objectives.
- Identify constituents: Who are your audiences?
a. Prioritize audiences.
b. What are their information needs?
c. What media will you use to address each audience and why?
- Media management: How will you manage the demands of the media?
- Legal and ethical issues: Is there information that should not be released to the media? What other legal and ethical concerns might this situation present?
- Consequences/outcomes: What do you expect to happen as the result of your efforts?
