Take this vulnerability audit and see if you need help getting your business on a crisis track.

1. Who is on your crisis team? (Pick people who can think on their feet, are good spokespeople and have related experience - do not choose the CEO.)

2. Do you have friends in your court of you need them? This would include reporters/regulators/inspectors/politicians/police, etc.

3. Do you honestly monitor possible problems that could lead to a crisis like employee relationships, safety issues, confidentiality issues or termination problems?

4. Do you have a written book of company policies?

5. Do you have a list of emergency numbers/cell phones to be able to reach managers/owners at a second's notice?

6. Who is you spokesperson if something negative happens?

7. How do you handle belligerent employees?

8. How do you handle sexual harassment accusations?

9. Are you familiar with emergency response teams in your area?

10. When was the last time that you had an emergency evacuation drill?

If you have had any trouble answering these questions or did not know the answer to even one of them, you need to have a complete vulnerability audit, and soon. Contact Susan Tellem at Tellem Worldwide - 310-313-3444 or email stellem@tellem.com.