A crisis can be managed more effectively if an organization is proactive in developing a defined yet flexible plan that can be implemented at the time of a disaster.

• Commitment from the chief executive officer to make crisis management part of the corporate culture

• Establishment of a planning team which includes individuals from all functional areas

• Review of all internal plans and policies

• Integration with local authorities

• Identification of critical products, services and operations

• Identification of both internal and external resources

• Assessment of potential impact on employees, customers and community

• Assessment of potential impact on business

• Identification of the Plan components