Within months of undertaking a Mosaic Publicity Crisis Management Course, one client company found themselves having to handle a crisis for real.

A number of senior managers at the company - a multi national storing vast quantities of chemicals - had undertaken training, with one of the scenarios focusing on how they would cope with a fire on site.

The session concentrated on how to handle the media - especially the scrum that turns up when there's an emergency - and what needs to be said at such times. We always urge clients to take control of the situation, and ensure that they have a clear set of key messages which they can use for both print and broadcast interviews.

When a fire happened for real, the company's emergency plan swung into action. This incorporated a media strategy which was followed to the letter. As the company's PR agency, we were called on to assist and were on the scene rapidly.

Two TV stations, plus radio and newspaper reporters turned up and did interviews with the company's boss, who was able to demonstrate that they were on top of the situation.

The ensuing coverage ensured that the company's reputation in the local community remained intact, while demonstrating that they were an organisation which was able to respond efficiently to what could have been a very damaging situtation.