Hardly a week goes by without headlines filled with stories of huge disasters. Events like Hurricane Katrina and the recent Japanese earthquake show that even in more developed countries, the human impact can be enormous. Fast, accurate information can help people deal more effectively with the crisis.
While the news media have traditionally been responsible for reporting the situation, they are sometimes charged with sensationalism. But using social media, emergency responders now have the ability to communicate with people directly.
The message for communicators? Get the word out.
Here’s what emergency responders can do:
Use the web for preparation.
Preparedness is key to success when disaster strikes. Governments and NGOs already have lots of information out there for people to use, right down to a study guide for budding emergency responders. As good and clear as this information is, how many people actually have a 3-day emergency kit prepared in their home? First responders can’t rely on the entire population being prepared, so the Internet’s job doesn’t end here.
Engage with online communities.
There are many bloggers out there with a focus on disasters and emergencies. Best practices, experiences and innovation can come from them. If they’ve taken the time to blog about their experiences, they would likely be happy to give advice to the organization that asks for it.
When disaster strikes, be social.
There are many people with smartphones. This throws social media into the mix even if the power is out. Dependent only on wireless coverage, they can be a great resource for people. For example, a police department spreading word about a crisis through social media may have fewer requests for information, freeing operators’ time. There are many uses for social media in emergency situations, all of which work together to save lives.
Have you ever used social media to find out about breaking news? Would you trust the information you find there in a high-risk situation?
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