Resources for Command Centre

Equipping the Command Centre

The resources needed to establish a Command Centre are:

Accommodation
Communications equipment
Ancillary Equipment
Essential Document/ Software
Security Equipment
Access Control
Security Identification

Accommodation

A discrete conference room capable of accommodating XX persons.
The room's location may need to be changed according to the nature of the crisis. In some cases, it may need to be away from the organization’s
Access is available without attracting the attention of non-participants.
Sufficient wall space to hang whiteboards and display maps.
Out-of-hours toilet facilities.
Access to drinks and snacks.
The necessary air-conditioning and furniture.

Communications Equipment

Telex and fax machines are available in or near the conference room.
Telephones: IDD telephone lines and internal telephones (ideally 3 of each).
Secure fax and telephones, if appropriate.
Recorder for taping telephone
Fill a storage cupboard with reams of paper.

Ancillary Equipment

Whiteboards and flip charts on which to display information with pens.
Notebooks, files, paper and a supply of pens/pencils.
A microcomputer with modem and access to e-mail and printer.
Easy access to photocopying facilities.
Access to overhead and slide projectors.
Television, aerial socket, and video recorder and tapes.
Battery-operated radio, tape recorder, and blank tapes.
Battery-operated clocks adjusted to different time offices/floors involved.

Essential Documents/ Software

Hard and soft copies of CM Plans.
Contact lists of all possible staff.
Telephone directories: internal and external.
A roster of secretarial and switchboard staff on call outside normal working hours.
The roster for additional security staff.

Security Equipment

Secure cabinet in which to keep incident documents.
Paper shredder.

Access Control

Immediate but controlled access to the building and the Command Centre.
Immediate access to the switchboard, if appropriate, during out-of-normal working hours and ready availability of instructions for use.

Security Identification

Company logos, signs or the name or identity of the company should not be readily seen in or near the Command Centre.
Reduce the minimum number of photographs to be taken, as images of this crisis could haunt the company for years to come. It is best to reduce any immediate association people make between the crisis and the organization.

Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Crisis Management Plan. Business Continuity Management Specialist Series (1st ed., p. 192). Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd.

Extracted from Appendix 8: Resources for Command Centre

This chapter is being edited and revised and will be published as the 2023 edition of this book.