Crisis Communication Plan for Folsom Lake College
Group Project for J480: Crisis Communications

Goal:
The primary goal of this project was to develop a detailed crisis communication plan for Folsom Lake College, a community college in Folsom, California. The plan was designed to prepare the college to manage and effectively communicate during various potential crises. It aimed to provide clear protocols, communication strategies, and stakeholder management to ensure a swift, coordinated, and transparent response to emergencies.

Project Contents:
The crisis communication plan contains several comprehensive sections:

1. Crisis Management Structure: Defined the roles and responsibilities of the crisis management team, ensuring a clear chain of command and communication flow during a crisis.

2. Crisis Scenarios and Protocols: Outlined protocols for managing eight specific types of crises, including active shooter situations, infectious disease outbreaks, and natural disasters. Each scenario includes key stakeholders, concerns, communication tactics, key messages, and holding statements.

3. Dark Website Samples: Designed two versions of a "dark website" for crisis communication, one for high-level emergencies and another for lower-level crises, ensuring quick access to essential information and updates.

4. Stakeholder Identification: Identified key stakeholders such as faculty, students, parents, and community members, detailing concerns and communication tactics for each group.

5. Crisis Communication Tips: Provided guidelines for communicating effectively with internal and external audiences, including employees, families, and the media.

6. Vulnerability Audit Questions: Included a series of questions to help assess potential vulnerabilities and prepare for various crisis scenarios.

7. Media Contact Log and List: Developed tools to streamline communications with the media, ensuring consistent messaging and timely responses.

Outcome:
The crisis communication plan equipped Folsom Lake College with a robust framework for handling various crisis situations. By preparing tailored communication strategies and defining clear roles and responsibilities, the college is better positioned to manage crises effectively and maintain trust among its stakeholders. The plan emphasizes transparency, preparedness, and quick response, ensuring the safety and well-being of the college community. This project showcased the importance of strategic communication in crisis management, fostering a resilient and informed campus environment.