Crisis Communications

Recommended Practice:

Sponsoring units offering or hosting youth programs should develop a crisis communication plan to address the following:

• Internal communications - within the program or facility, between program staff and unit leadership, between the program and parents
• External communications - between the program and external partners, with emergency responders, with the media

Crisis communication plans should include procedures for contacting youth participants' emergency contacts. Printed hard copies of all participants' emergency contacts should be accessible at all times.

At the time of enrollment or sign-up, parents/guardians should be informed of how they will be notified in the case of an emergency.

Prior to the start of the camp or program, staff should be trained on how to initiate emergency response procedures in the event that regular communication methods are not available (i.e., no cell phone service, no internet access).

Evidence or Documentation:

• Copy of program's or sponsoring unit's Crisis Communications Plan.
• Printed hard copies of participants' emergency contact information.
• Record of changes, plan distribution list and training documentation.

Applies to:

• OSU units offering or hosting youth programs.

Related Information:

• Crisis Communications at Oregon State University from University Relations & Marketing
• Medical Care Plan

Self-Assessment

Does the unit or program have a written procedure for internal and external crisis communications?

               YES        NO

Does the unit or program have a written protocol made available to parents or guardians that identifies how and when the parent or guardian will be notified in the case of an emergency?

               YES        NO