Burson-Marsteller identifies 8 characteristics of a crisis:

1. Surprise
2. Insufficient information
3. Escalating flow of events
4. Loss of control
5. Intense scrutiny from the outside
6. Siege mentality
7. Panic
8. Short-term focus

 (Source: Burson-Marsteller)

Don Beehler provides public relations consulting services to small- and medium-sized advertising agencies and businesses.