Crisis Management

1
Crisis Management

• The information in this presentation outlines the
  initial steps to be taken in the event that a
  tragedy or crisis occurs.
• By taking time to prepare for and prevent
  tragedies, a brothers life and the chapters
  life could be saved.

2
Examples of Crisis Situations

• The death or serious injury of a member.
• Fire in the chapter house.
• Any injury or incident involving alcohol or
  social events.
• Any injury or incident involving a member and/or
  a non-member at, during, or directly following a
  chapter event, or on chapter property.

3
One Person is in Charge

• The chapter president is in charge during an
  emergency situation. He should consult with
  members who may have more expertise or
  information on the incident, but ultimately the
  final decisions should rest with him.
• In the event that the president is absent the
  next ranking officer should assume control
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Inductor
• Sentinel

4
General Procedures

• Close the chapter house at once.
• The chapter president cannot give instructions
  and maintain control if members are leaving and
  strangers are entering. Permit only chapter
  members, alumni and appropriate officials to
  enter. Assign a few responsible members to calmly
  control access to the chapter house.

5

1. In nearly all situations, the chapter presidents
   first call should be a 911 emergency number.
   Briefly and calmly explain the situation so that
   the appropriate emergency personnel can respond.
   Next notify the chapter advisor.

6

• The chapter President should then notify
• Phi Sigma Kappa International Headquarters
  888-846-6851
• House Corporation President
• Chapter Legal Council
• University Greek Advisor

7

1. Assemble the members for a chapter meeting.
   Explain that there is an emergency and that the
   chapter house is to remain closed. The members
   should not speak to anyone outside the chapter
   about the incident. Do not discuss details,
   speculate on events or otherwise project
   consequences until police, your chapter advisor,
   and University officials have arrived. To do so
   would only create unrest. It is important that
   the chapter remain calm.

8

1. If the news media should contact the chapter do
   not answer any questions. The International
   Headquarters with the assistance of legal council
   will issue a statement prior to any other
   communications with the media. Do not release
   names or any other information until an
   investigation has been completed and the timing
   is appropriate.

9

• If necessary the International Headquarters will
  appoint an incident investigation team consisting
  of some or all of the following
• IHQ staff and/or District Governor
• Chapter President
• Chapter Advisor
• House Corp/ Alumni President
• Legal Council

10

• The incident investigation team will follow these
  guidelines
• A chapter incident form (found in the appendix of
  your risk management manual) will be completed.
• All chapter members are required to participate
  in the investigation. Members refusing to
  participate must state their reasons for not
  cooperating.
• A detailed summary should accompany the incident
  report. Contact information and statements from
  witnesses should be included.

11

1. In the case of a less serious incident, the
   chapter president may be asked to fill out the
   Incident Report form on his own and fax it to the
   International Headquarters, 317-573-5430, within
   48 hours of the incident.

12

1. The Executive Director will review the report and
   request clarification or supporting data if
   necessary. A final report would then be submitted
   by the chapter president.
2. The Executive Director will then review the full
   situation and determine the next course of action.

13

• It is imperative that the International
  Headquarters is contacted immediately any time a
  crisis or incident occurs.
• No matter how big or small the incident may be it
  is important to make the IHQ staff aware of it.
• 888-846-6851

14
Emergency Procedures for Someone Who Has Had Too
Much to Drink

• Look for signs and Symptoms
• Unable or difficult to wake
• Slowed, stopped or irregular breathing
• Bluish fingernails, lips and gums

15
Action to be Taken

• If there is any doubt as to whether the
  individual is passed out or seriously overdosed,
  do not hesitate to get medical help.
• Do not leave the person. Do not allow them to
  sleep on their backs, lay them on their side
  until medical attention arrives.
• Induce vomiting if conscious and feeling sick.
  Never induce vomiting in a semi-conscious or
  unconscious person.
• Monitor Breathing, if breathing stops administer
  CPR.

16
Things to Remember About Alcohol

• Black coffee, cold showers, fresh air or exercise
  will not sober you up. Only time will eliminate
  alcohol from your body.
• Alcohol exaggerates your mood i.e. if youre
  depressed when you start drinking, youll get
  more depressed if youre angry, youll get
  angrier.
• Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down your
  bodily functions and the ability to respond. An
  overdose of alcohol deprives the brain of oxygen
  and begins to shut down the voluntary functions
  that regulate breathing and heart rate.

17
Serious Injury or Death of a Member

• Allow the authorities to notify the family as
  soon as possible by providing them with the
  proper contact information.
• After the family has been notified, it may be
  appropriate for the chapter president or advisor
  to call and share concerns on behalf of the
  chapter.
• If you are unsure of whether or not this is
  appropriate contact your advisor or the Executive
  Director.

18
In the Event of a Death

• Do not remove personal items from the members
  room.
• Do not let members enter the room.
• Keep the door locked if possible.
• Ask the family what their wishes are with regard
  to personal items. Have boxes ready when they
  arrive.
• You may offer to help but understand that this is
  a difficult time and they likely will want to do
  this themselves and in privacy.

19
Memorial Service or Visitation

• The chapter will want to coordinate member
  attendance at the memorial service. Along with
  the chapter advisor, discuss with the family the
  possibility of conducting the Ritual for Funeral
  Service.
• Remember to always respect the familys wishes.
• In the event of a serious injury or illness, find
  out the visitation wishes of the family and
  coordinate this with chapter members.

20
Be Smart

• In an emergency use extreme tact and caution in
  your actions and statements to members, the media
  and others. Litigation may follow, be extremely
  cautious about jumping to conclusions or
  speculation.

21
Dont be Afraid to Seek Help

• Remember that the IHQ staff and University
  officials are always available for assistance. Do
  not hesitate to call for help or advice.
  Individual and group counseling is strongly
  recommended following any crisis.

22
Thank You.

• For any questions regarding this presentation or
  other risk management questions please contact
  the Grand Chapter.
• 888-846-6851
• Create by Evan Prostovich
• January 2007