The CDC’s prediction last week that the spread of COVID-19 (“the novel coronavirus”) in the U.S. was a matter of “when, not if” has already come true.

Whatever else that means for your nonprofit or small business, it means that you need a crisis plan. You always did, but now the need is obvious.

I’m not an alarmist. (Well, maybe a little. I can get pretty worked up over whether half a can of coffee will last until I can get to Trader Joe’s.) But making a crisis plan doesn’t make you an alarmist. COVID-19 doesn’t have to become the next Spanish flu to disrupt your operations.

What will you do if, say:

• Half your team is sick? (If you’re solo, that could be 100 percent!)
• Schools and childcare centers close for eight weeks?
• Airports or transit systems shut down?
• Everything stays open but people just stop going out?
• You can’t get the materials you need to make what you make because the supply line starts in China?

Your answers will be unique to you. And I’m not the person to help. You can start with the CDC’s basic advice, which covers various situations.

Then you’ll need to customize your plan. Others in your space are working on their crisis plans, so you can ask colleagues and hang out in industry-specific social media groups. If all else fails, ask The Google.

What I can help with is how to communicate about your crisis response.

Crisis communications come in two types: internal and external. I’ll cover both next week (if I don’t get sick).

In the meantime, please, work on your plan for a possible pandemic. If you have questions about crisis communications, email me.

Oh, and please remember to wash your hands.