By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on October 28, 2012
Winds from Sandy are already being felt on the East coast, and with widespread power outages predicted the public is going to have to be prepared. FEMA has done an excellent job of sharing information over the ‘net, utilizing several websites, social media accounts, and emails full of tips like the following, aimed at keeping […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on July 17, 2012
Why you should care Editor’s note: The following is a powerful personal story from Dan Stoneking, Director of FEMA’s Office of External Affairs, that speaks to the importance of proper crisis preparation. On Saturday, 29 June, I woke at 3:00 a.m., startled at how hot it was in our room. I looked around and saw […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on May 29, 2012
Just because a crisis isn’t in the news, doesn’t mean it’s gone for good Don’t shelve that bird flu crisis plan just yet. In case anyone had assumed this threat was completely gone simply because it vanished from mainstream media coverage,the disease has actually killed two people this year in China, and another large outbreak […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on March 9, 2012
Crisis simulations save lives Sure, you know that you need to be ready for crises, but do you know what it’s actually like to be in a crisis? The goal of the Red Cross UK Disaster Response Challenge is to give you this experience, and more. Constructing a hypothetical disaster that unfolds in real time […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on October 26, 2011
Fictional story stirs discussion “Margin Call” is a new film that aims to recreate the rapid fire nature of today’s crisis management. While it misses the mark in terms of reality, especially in the ethics department, it does open up avenues for discussion of real world crisis management. Forbes business writer Coeli Carr took this […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on September 22, 2011
Be in position to help your community Regardless of whether your organization is a hospital, school, police station, church, or something entirely different, if you serve your community then you can expect them to turn to you for information and guidance in the event of a disaster. A bit of preparation can make you one […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on September 8, 2011
Crisis management via social media Both before and during Hurricane Irene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set an example of how to effectively use social media to disperse information in a crisis situation. Continuity Central examined its methods in a case study and provided several examples to boot: To augment traditional communications methods FEMA […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on August 15, 2011
Shift attitudes to match the situation We primarily think of crisis communications in terms of events that happen to our business, things like lawsuits, faulty machinery, or employee unrest. When dealing with events such as violence or death in the workplace, however, it’s wise to slightly alter your approach. In a PR Daily article by […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on July 21, 2011
Text messages warn students, spread crisis response advice In May of last year, Boston residents were plunged into the midst of their own crisis when a major water pipe burst, disrupting water service and potentially contaminating public water sources. Luckily for residents, local officials were prepared, and spread the word quickly using various technologies combined […]
By Jonathan & Erik Bernstein on June 27, 2011
Three traits identify outstanding leaders It’s accepted that there are many different effective leadership styles, but are there certain traits that tie top performers together? Executive search consultant Justin Menkes thinks so, and he’s got evidence to support his theory. A quote, from Fortune.com: Menkes’ book is based on his work with corporate boards as […]
Jonathan L. Bernstein, founder and Chairman of Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc. has more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of crisis management – crisis response, vulnerability assessment, planning, training and simulations.[Read more ...]
Erik Bernstein is president of Bernstein Crisis Management. Erik started with BCM in 2009 as a writer and subsequently became social media manager for the consultancy itself as well as for a number of BCM clients before moving to the president position.
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