After examining and clarifying its charge, the Committee set forth the following work plan and general guiding principles:

1. Define "crisis" as it relates specifically to Johns Hopkins' mission, the breadth, depth and geography of its institutional presence, and its image and reputation.

2. Identify the types of crises that might arise at an institution like Johns Hopkins.

3. Understand Johns Hopkins' existing crisis management plans and capabilities.

4. Establish guidelines that will enable the Committee's recommendations to complement, rather than duplicate or overlap Johns Hopkins' existing crisis management plans and capabilities.

5. Develop a plan for dealing with crises, and all aspects of crisis management, at Johns Hopkins, including, but not limited to:

a. Responsibilities of Johns Hopkins' leadership.

b. Activation of the crisis management plan.

c. Identification of the crisis management coordinator.

d. Establishment of the coordinator's authority and responsibilities.

e. Institution-wide coordination guidelines and practices.

f. Institution-wide internal communications guidelines, pathways, contact persons, mechanisms and resources.

g. Human needs of affected individuals.

h. Physical security of people and facilities.

i. Public relations.

j. External communications.

Subsequently, several subcommittees were created to address one or more of the components of the above work plan, including:

1. Crisis management response team definition, composition and operation.

2. Analysis of existing emergency response plans.

3. Crisis response scenarios.

4. Mechanical and technical communication resources.

5. Preparation and training for the response team and others.

6. Liability

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