Introduction
Social media has become both popular and crucial in crisis and emergency communications. Responders are not only communicating to their public through social media outlets, the public is communicating with each other, and with responders. Individuals are able to provide important information on disaster impacts, including location and imagery, using nothing more than a smartphone equipped with a camera and GPS locator. One particular technology from Ushahidi offers an interesting way for responders and affected individuals to communicate with one another in the course of a disaster response. The Ushahidi BRCK offers an application of technology that, while not originally designed for use in the emergency management field, has an application in the response to a disaster. This and other technologies contribute to the ever changing way responders and individuals communicate.
Social Media Pros
Social media sites including Twitter and Facebook are in their infancy yet play an increasingly important role in the response to a disaster. After all, “one of the basic tenants of emergency management is mass communication and being able to deliver pertinent information to those who need it” (Gould, 2012). Social media offers an avenue to obtain up to the minute information on a given situation right in an individual's hands thanks to the proliferation of mobile devices. “Each disaster sparks its own complex web of fast-paced information exchange. It can both improve disaster response and allow affected populations to take control of their situation as well as feel empowered” (Maron, 2013). While traditional forms of media, print, radio and television in particular, have been the standard since the inception of the emerg...
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...agement. Retrieved from http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-42
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A strategic alliance with Dell has allowed ARC to implement a digital operations center for humanitarian relief in 2011 (ARC, n.d.). Social media (Facebook and Twitter) and smartphone applications have also been added to the organization’s communication arsenal as social media (Facebook and Twitter) and smartphone applications communication tools for advance storm tracking, crisis area developments and real time communications between ground crews and decision making management personnel (Zolkos, 2012).
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The University of Colorado arranged a report on Jefferson County Type III Incident Management Team’s use of social media communications and work practices during the Colorado Floods in September of 2013. During flood in the fall of 2013, Jefferson County decided to use social media as a means for quick and mass communication for people to receive information about weather emergencies. In this case study, the University of Colorado examined the team’s use of three social media outlets: Facebook, Twitter, and the team’s blog. The University of Colorado utilized a mix method approach of web-based social networking content examination and meetings, the University of Colorado depicts Jefferson County's online practices in connection to the necessities
To start off, modern technology has made it easier for the media to publicize global tragedies. I have often turned the T.V. to see breaking headlines and graphic images. While the point of this is to inform the public of disasters and perhaps warn others, it is hardly ever the message received by the viewer. Darrin Drda, in his “Fear and Hate 9/11” comic, humorizes the fact that big news companies often present information unfairly and unbalanced. The media constantly portrays natural disasters in a way that reduces the sympathetic feeling and focuses on them as a form of entertainment. This defeats the purpose of sharing the stories of the victims. In an online article titled, “Hurricane Katrina-Rejuvenating the Mainstream Media?” Anup
Lets take a look at natural disasters, social media helps spread knowledge about events. Not everyone watches the news, and I am sure that those people who don’t watch news have some type of social media. Natural disasters are important and social media helps us be aware of our surrounds where ever we may be. Newspapers can only do so much and they take time to print and reach everyone. In critical circumstances newspapers needs to spread fast even cross borders, however social media ends up doing exactly
As social media continues to become the global transmitter of information, many business even government agencies and law enforcement officials have found ways to utilize this modern day source of communication. Many precincts across the United States have incorporated the use of social media as not only a way to investigate and possibly prevent crimes but also as a gateway to their community. In an article entitled “Police embrace Social Media” it was stated that a 2013 study conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police showed 81 percent of 728 departments surveyed said they used social media (wagley, 2014).
Texas A&M Transportation Institute. (2014). Using Bluetooth Technology to Aid in Hurricane Evacuation. Retrieved from http://tti.tamu.edu/2010/06/01/using-bluetooth-technology-to-aid-in-hurricane-evacuation/
Disaster Recovery Planning is the critical factor that can prevent headaches or nightmares experienced by an organization in times of disaster. Having a disaster recovery plan marks the difference between organizations that can successfully manage crises with minimal cost, effort and with maximum speed, and those organizations that cannot. By having back-up plans, not only for equipment and network recovery, but also detailed disaster recovery plans that precisely outline what steps each person involved in recovery efforts should undertake, an organization can improve their recovery time and minimize the disrupted time for their normal business functions. Thus it is essential that disaster recovery plans are carefully laid out and carefully updated regularly. Part of the plan should include a system where regular training occurs for network engineers and managers. In the disaster recovery process extra attention should also be paid to training any new employees who will have a critical role in this function. Also, the plan should require having the appropriate people actually practice what they would do to help recover business function should a disaster occur. Some organizations find it helpful to do this on a quarterly or semi-annual basis so that the plan stays current with the organization’s needs.
ComEd appears to have thoroughly analyzed social media best practices before it embarked on its own social media program. However, it decided to place the responsibility for social media within its own customer operations rather than in its communications or marketing department. Was this is a good decision- why or why not?
The increase in unpredictable natural disasters events for a decade has led to put the disaster preparedness as a central issue in disaster management. Disaster preparedness reduces the risk of loss lives and injuries and increases a capacity for coping when hazard occurs. Considering the value of the preparatory behavior, governments, local, national and international institutions and non-government organizations made some efforts in promoting disaster preparedness. However, although a number of resources have been expended in an effort to promote behavioural preparedness, a common finding in research on natural disaster is that people fail to take preparation for such disaster events (Paton, 2005; Shaw 2004; Spittal, et.al, 2005; Tierney, 1993; Kenny, 2009; Kapucu, 2008; Coppola and Maloney, 2009). For example, the fact that nearly 91% of Americans live in a moderate to high risk of natural disasters, only 16% take a preparation for natural disaster (Ripley, 2006).