"Delivering accurate and speedy public information is a vital response to disaster - natural or man-made. Broadcasters are a vital link in the communication chain - and none more so than the BBC's regional and local services. BBC England deserve congratulations for this initiative. It will be a very important part of building the local contacts and arrangements which are so important in helping the public at times of crisis." Mike Granatt CB, Crisis Communications Consultant and Former Director General and Head of Profession, Government Information and Communication Service "BBC Local Radio stations have a long and proud tradition of working closely with the communities they serve and particularly so when those communities are under threat. We think of Boscastle, the York floods and the Foot and Mouth epidemic as three recent events where BBC local radio was able to play a major role in providing essential news and information. "Connecting in a Crisis is about forward planning and collaboration, ensuring that those responsible for managing local emergencies know how to work with the BBC in communicating essential information. Getting that information to air quickly and accurately can be a lifeline and is a key role for the BBC as a public service broadcaster. "We have worked closely with emergency planners across the UK in producing this guidance and I trust you find it useful in working with the BBC in your area." Andy Griffee, Controller BBC English Regions | 
