PREPAREDNESS FIRST

Custom Crisis Communications Incident

Response Plans

Your Business Needs an Incident Response Plan That Includes a Crisis Communications Strategy

Every organization is vulnerable to unexpected events, whether it’s a cyberattack, a leadership transition, a product recall or a reputation-damaging allegation. While the technical response is critical, how your organization communicates in a crisis is just as important—if not more so. Without a clear, actionable communications incident response plan (IRP), you risk confusion, missteps, and long-term damage to your reputation.

At Resolute Strategic Services, we build communications IRPs that prepare your organization to respond quickly, confidently and strategically, no matter the crisis. Our plans provide practical, step-by-step guidance for engaging internal teams, customers, media, boards and other key stakeholders.

Whether you’re facing a ransomware attack, a CEO resignation, an employee misconduct allegation, or community backlash, a strong communications IRP ensures your leadership team knows exactly what to say, when to say it and how to maintain trust and transparency.

Every Organization Needs a Communications IRP

 

Crisis doesn’t discriminate. Here’s why a communications-focused IRP is essential for all types of vulnerabilities:

  • Cyberattacks – Ransomware, phishing and data breaches can spiral without clear, coordinated messaging.
  • Leadership Transitions – Unexpected resignations or terminations can spark speculation and uncertainty.
  • Product Recalls or Safety Incidents – Your customers and regulators need timely, accurate information.
  • Legal Issues or Investigations – A proactive strategy helps manage public perception while protecting legal interests.
  • Workplace Violence or Safety Threats – Calm, clear communication reassures stakeholders in sensitive situations.
  • Labor Disputes or Protests – Clear internal and external messaging helps maintain operations and public trust.
  • Negative Media Coverage or Social Media Firestorms – A plan helps you respond strategically without escalating the issue.

What Our Incident Response Plans Include

  • Proactive Preparation – We identify potential vulnerabilities across all areas of your organization and establish clear communication protocols before a crisis strikes.
  • Tailored Scenarios – Each plan is customized to your specific risks, industry pressures, and organizational culture.
  • Defined Roles & Responsibilities – Clear guidelines for leadership, legal, IT, communications, and key stakeholders.
  • Crisis Communications Strategy – Pre-drafted media statements, internal communications templates, and stakeholder messaging plans—ready to deploy when you need them.
  • Implementation Roadmap – Step-by-step instructions for activating your plan, engaging stakeholders, and controlling the narrative.
  • Ongoing Support – As your partner, we’re always available to help you adjust and strengthen your plan as your business evolves.

Why Resolute

With years of experience in cyber incident response and broader crisis communications, Resolute is a trusted partner for organizations across industries. We’ve developed and executed communications IRPs for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, public entities and even some of the nation’s largest outdoor music festivals, helping them navigate some of the challenging moments in their history.

Crisis Risk Audit and Stakeholder Interviews

Resolute will examine the organization’s current preparedness plans and will engage with key stakeholders from across the organization to determine the top issues of concern from various perspectives.

Develop a plan

Building upon the information learned from the audit and interviews, Resolute will develop a crisis communications incident response plan. Content development will include communication guidelines, crisis communications team roles and responsibilities, escalation processes and scenario specific communication playbooks.

Plan Maintenance

An incident response plan is only as good as the last time it was reviewed and tested to ensure its content is current. Resolute collaborates with your organization to ensure the plan is current and updated to confirm the plan is actionable.