Years ago, I got the kind of Friday afternoon call no communicator wants. A CEO I worked with said a federal law enforcement agent was sitting in his reception area, asking to discuss a data breach involving an international criminal group.
At the time, online banking was still new, and most people had never experienced a data breach. Technology was moving faster than crisis plans could keep up. There were no established protocols, so we created the playbook as we went along, focusing on communicating honestly and clearly.
Today, the challenges look different, but the need for preparation is just as critical. If your crisis communications plan hasn’t been updated in the past few years, now is the time to revisit it.
When ICE Visits a Job Site
If an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shows up asking to speak with one of your employees, would your team know what to do?
Many cleantech and energy companies assume this scenario is unlikely. After all, you conduct thorough background checks, follow hiring laws, and work with vetted partners. Even so, enforcement actions can happen for a range of reasons that may have nothing to do with your practices. It could be a visa issue, a contractor’s oversight, or simply a case of mistaken identity.
In a moment like that, you need a clear plan for what to do. Your team needs to know who responds, how to handle the situation on site, and what to communicate internally. This is not just about checking boxes. It is about staying calm and making sure employees feel supported during what may be a confusing or stressful event.
Protests That Disrupt Access or Safety
Public protests are increasingly happening outside the usual locations. While many were once concentrated in city centers or on college campuses, we are now seeing demonstrations appear near infrastructure and project sites, including those in urban areas where clean energy projects are expanding.
If a protest blocks access to a job site or operations center, would your employees know what to do? Would they know who to contact or how to report a concern? Does your communications team have guidance for responding to media questions or for updating employees, executives, and stakeholders?
Your crisis plan should include these scenarios. It should provide step-by-step actions for field staff and give communicators and managers the tools they need to respond quickly and confidently.
Civil Unrest and Operational Risk
During the summer of 2020, some companies had to consider whether unrest might reach their operations centers or substations. In many cases, it came close enough to raise serious concerns about safety, continuity, and response.
If that happened today, would your teams be ready? Would your employees know who to call or what their responsibilities are? Do you have a clear plan to protect your people while keeping executives, board members, and customers informed?
Take Time to Prepare Before It Happens
Crisis events do not wait for convenience. Whether it is a surprise visit from a federal agency, a protest that halts operations, or unrest near critical facilities, the way your organization responds will reflect your leadership and your values.
Your plan must begin with protecting your employees and must be built around clear, honest communication. If you haven’t revisited your crisis strategy recently, this is the time to do it. Your people deserve to know what to expect. Your leadership needs to be ready to act.
Mercom Communications works closely with clients across a wide range of crisis situations. Whether it involves building proactive crisis communications plans and conducting media training, advising teams in the middle of a developing issue, or crafting clear, effective media responses, we are committed to helping our clients navigate their most challenging moments with confidence and clarity.