A wide range of situations are covered, from natural or industrial disasters to political and criminal acts. Since good crisis management is proactive, not reactive, this handbook clarifies exactly what kind of advance preparation is needed to make the critical difference in surviving a crisis. It provides guidance in shaping the right implementation plan for an organization's specific needs. After discussing the dynamics of crises, this book addresses risk assessment, elements of effective crisis management, policy issues in crisis planning, organizing the crisis action team, and the location and layout of the crisis management center. Chapters also consider crisis communications, victims, simulation tests for the crisis action plan, and the debriefing process following the disaster. Appendixes include names and addresses of more than 80 organizations and persons to consult for information and assistance, statistics on disasters in the United States and abroad, and a simulation outline. Each chapter concludes with a checklist, and numerous diagrams and tables make excellent training aids. Chapter notes, 87-item bibliography, subject index.