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Social networks a true force for emergency management

Emergency Management Alert, July 21, 2009

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) used Twitter in May 2009 to alert the public about events, such as an earthquake and a highway accident. The messages went out to nearly 5,000 followers on their @LAFD Twitter account, according to Government Technology, or GovTech.com. Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to follow other users' 140-character messages.

Brian Humphrey, the LAFD's public service officer, says the department's use of Twitter is an attempt to ensure information is spread quickly during an emergency to prevent the feeling of isolation and unawareness during a disaster, according to GovTech.com. The LAFD also uses various other social networking sites, such as YouTube and Facebook, to get word out and spread awareness.

The LAFD is not alone. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also have Twitter accounts, though the accounts are not specifically for emergency alerts. The Philadelphia Managing Director's Office of Emergency Management also uses Twitter, though other than a snow ban, that agency has not had to alert followers of any catastrophes. The account is more steadily used to spread awareness through different safety campaigns.

Though some emergency management officials worry that such sites might disseminate false information, researchers have found that the majority of the time, information is accurate and useful.

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