Day 1
Day 1 will be a tough day, full of emotion, reactivity and intensity. Despite this upsetting situation, you have to start. The crisis can’t be avoided, but it can be contained with good management.
Assigning the head of crisis management
Although the Emergency Committee is in charge, you should designate one person who will remain in place and to whom the Committee can refer at any time to discuss issues and unforeseen events, and to make quick decisions. This person is usually the school principal, but for various reasons – personal, professional or rotational –, any member of the Emergency Committee can take on this role. The head of the Emergency committee must be identified and must remain in charge until the procedures are completed. This person should be easy to reach at all times.
Assessing the situation
The first conversation the head of crisis management should lead is to assess the situation. What information do you have? What are the rumors? Try to find out as much as possible in order to make THE DECISION: should the protocol be deployed or not?
Confirming the exceptional event
Using the exceptional event checklist, decide whether collective action is needed – because the heart of the school is affected – or whether a more limited intervention would be more relevant – e.g., a student is in crisis. Upon reflection, is this an exceptional event?