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Progress Report - July 2002

Main Conclusions and Recommendations

Meaningful improvements to the arrangements for:

1. Warning members of the public of an imminent or actual threat to life, health and property and

2. To inform them of the appropriate action to take.

This will only be achieved through a viable strategy of modernisation, incorporating several key elements:

• The introduction of a new legislative framework to identify clear lines of accountability and responsibility for public warnings.

• The establishment of a single national agency to be responsible for strategy and policy, and to oversee the dissemination of guidance, advice and best practice.

• Government funding to support projects for the development of new, innovative technological solutions.

• The establishment of clear protocols between the BBC, other news broadcasting agencies and local emergency managers for the dissemination of public warnings and information, and the development of appropriate supportive guidance.

• The creation of a planned programme of public education, supported by Government finance and endorsement, for the development of greater public awareness of the correct actions to take in the event of a major emergency and of the means by which such advice and information could be conveyed.