Social Media in Disaster Response

We all at one point or another have known of or experienced a major crisis that has occurred. Whether it be the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centers, Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti Earthquake, or the recent snowstorm that has crippled a large part of the Northeastern United States. Whether man made or natural, these events affect us is some way shape or form.

When all other communication seems to fail, Twitter and Facebook always seem to be the chosen means of communication when cell towers aren’t working or essential phone lines are knocked down. In modern disasters, since the emergence of Twitter and Facebook, activity on the sites always seems to spike when these events occur. It is essential that individuals, businesses, non-profits, and governments are ready to respond with the latest news when other forms of communication fail.

A perfect example of the helpfulness of social media was this past weekend when, via Twitter, the mayor of Newark, NJ was responding to helpless residents whose cars were blocked in and could not get out. He personally helped shovel out many residents’ cars or driveways. Meanwhile, New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg had one press conference a day and nearly laughed off the snow storm. That contradiction shows the importance of social media in not only just reaching a large populace, but allowing the populace to respond and begin a conversation. This kind of communication is essential in establishing trust and goes a long way. Once again, Twitter and Facebook have helped make a bad situation seem better.

It is absolutely key that every organization have a crisis communications plan, and it is especially important that each organization builds Social Media into their plan to better respond whenever a disaster strikes. If you or your business would like assistance in developing such a plan, feel free to contact us today.