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 brother’s life and the chapter’s 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. In nearly all situations, the chapter president’s 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. • 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 you’re depressed when you start drinking, you’ll get more depressed; if you’re angry, you’ll 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 member’s 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 family’s 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. Don’t 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