Before

1. Create a crisis communication plan that addresses the most likely crises your organization will face. Incorporate both internal and external communication plans.
2. Include plans for contingent workers in your company's crisis management plans. Provide detailed safety information to each contingent worker as they come on board.
3. Gather accurate, up-to-date contact information for each employee and contingent worker. Include an up-to-date emergency contact for each employee and contingent worker.
4. Create a commenting policy for the organization's blog and social media channels.
5. Choose a "crisis communicator" to communicate with employees during a crisis and a "crisis spokesperson" to handle media and public communications during a crisis.

During

1. Communicate with employees first. Update employees on the situation, gather necessary information, and let them know what to expect next.
2. Communicate with contingent workers either directly and/or through the organization's staffing partner.
3. Contact your staffing partner to "touch base" and discuss any needed changes in personnel due to the crisis.
4. Ensure both employees and contingent workers know where to bring their questions, and that any questions asked by either group are answered promptly.
5. Maintain communication with employees, contingent staff, and the staffing firm throughout the crisis.
6. Release an initial public message within 24 hours of the crisis. Be proactive: discuss potential bad situations publicly before other outlets begin to talk about them.
7. Consider using your company's blog, social media sites, or other online tools to gather information, share updates, and address concerns.
8. Assign someone to address comments and criticism on company blogs and other sites. Maintain regular updates and communication, coordinated with the crisis communicator and crisis spokesperson.

After

1. Meet to discuss how the crisis communication plan worked and to implement any necessary changes.
2. Continue to follow up on social media sites to answer questions and provide information. If a long-term follow-up is needed, plan accordingly.
3. Work with your employees to train, practice, and recall crisis communication plans.
4. Touch base with your staffing partner to secure additional help or to update safety plans.