Crisis communications case study: Deloitte

Following a fire at the Deloitte Office Tower in Madrid , Deloitte issued the following crisis communications media statement. It provides a useful example of how to structure such a statement.

Fire at Deloitte Office Tower in Madrid : Deloitte Spain maintains activity

Contact: Beatrice Fernandez-Ruiz

Madrid , February 14, 2005 —  The recent building fire in Madrid has destroyed the local Deloitte office. In response, Deloitte Spain would like to communicate the following:

* Deloitte greatly appreciates the work of the fire, police and emergency departments for ensuring the safety of all its professionals and building residents. There have been no casualties reported as a result of this fire.

* Currently, our Madrid office is working to recover its IT and information systems. We have activated contingency plans, which include the help and support of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, our global office.

* Except for the local phone lines and other communication sources in Madrid , all other Deloitte offices in Spain have not been affected. Communications from our Madrid office are being redirected to other firm locations, as part of the contingency plans.

* Most Deloitte professionals in Madrid will resume work on Monday. Client service operations will not be impacted by this event. All 19 Deloitte offices outside Madrid will continue with their normal operations.

* Deloitte has started researching several options for the new location of its Madrid office. The Firm expects to resolve this situation in a few days.

* Deloitte thanks the unconditional support and collaboration from its clients, suppliers and professionals, which is helping the Firm to normalize its activity.

•Date: 22nd February 2005 • Region: W.Europe •Type: Article •Topic: Crisis comms
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