Define communications needs.

Develop communication plan objectives based on target audience (employee, customer, media, etc.).

Identify and detail triggers for activating the communications plan.

Delineate all assumptions related to the need, objectives, and triggers for the plan.

Develop distribution list and methodology based on likely communications scenarios (i.e., if e-mail or phones are down, how will information be communicated?). Develop list of distribution alternatives.

Develop list of all contacts needed for distribution of this plan.

List all legal or regulatory constraints that may impact message or timing of message.

Develop communication template to assist in crisis communication situations.

Develop message content (see next).

Identify message and distribution authorization or escalation channels.

Establish distribution channels.

Identify frequency of communication.

Keep communication log.