During a Crisis: Crisis Action Team
Use this checklist to carry out the responsibilities of the Crisis Action Team (CAT).
When a crisis occurs, a command may opt to stand up a Crisis Action Team (CAT). The public affairs (PA) representative should go to the CAT and help leadership identify and release information with maximum disclosure and minimum delay.
Use this checklist if you are assigned to the CAT during a crisis. Check with your unit and leadership to verify there are no other specific, essential duties required.
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Establish communications with other team members
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Initiate an instant message system with the other PA representatives if one is not already in place
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If necessary, establish virtual contact with other CAT members through appropriate channels and CAT conference bridge lines
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Assess potential hazards, cordons and other dangerous situations
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Forward potential hazards information to PAOC, EOC and MOC via virtual communications, if applicable
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For situational awareness, document staff names and locations of the following:
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Confirm with PAOC that PAO has been notified
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Ensure other PA offices and Public Information Officers (PIOs) have been notified, as necessary
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Consult local crisis communication phone listing for potential communication to ancillary PIOs who may have impact
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Compile a list of civilian authorities to have ready for commander to call if required
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Submit operational report (OPREP) information through the commander to proper authorities if required
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If tour groups are on base, recommend to commander that they be escorted to safe area
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Log all activities in virtual communications log
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Support PA product development and who is tasked to provide:
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Consider establishing:
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Recommend VI support through EOC, if needed:
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At end of crisis, notify PAOC to revert straight talk message, marquee, Facebook, Twitter, etc., to normal operations