9 - Jeffrey Martin - Social Media and Disasters

Reference:  Ortiz, A. (2013, May 4). Social media and disasters: When a small post can spur hope. Christian Science Monitor. p. N.PAG. Retrieved from: Academic Search Premier http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.uvu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=76b32b6b-1c53-4975-b2a3-10ee13a8aa6b%40sessionmgr114&vid=2&hid=2&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=87500895

Theme:  This article discusses the use of social media during a disaster when communicating with the public.

Summary:  Social media transforms during a disaster.  During these times, it transforms from a place for people to post about their kids to a place where they can share information.  Emergency management departments should learn how to use these sites to spread official information.  SF72 was a social media site created by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management for this purpose.

·         Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks spread information, allow people to know that their loved ones are safe, and assist in coordinating efforts.

·         Usage of these sites will rise dramatically during a disaster.

·         These sites can be useful tools to let people know how to help.

Application to lesson:  In this article, San Francisco went as far as hiring a PR firm to help them design their social media site.  Although this is unnecessary, you should still do your research to make the site appropriate to your community.

Application to the emergency services:  Departments should know how to use social media to be able to have an avenue to spread official notices and information.  People will turn to this form of media for help during a disaster. It should be noted, that the internet may be down during a disaster, and you need to not rely solely on this as your means of dissemination.