When adopting the use of social media in emergency management, it is important to have
Computers and Technology · College · Sun Jan 24 2021
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When adopting social media for emergency management, it is important to have an effective strategy that ensures accurate information is communicated promptly to the public.
A clear strategy: Define how social media will be used before, during, and after an emergency. This should include the precise objectives of using social media, such as disseminating information to the public, receiving updates from affected individuals, or facilitating aid delivery.
2. Trusted sources: To minimize the spread of false information, designate specific accounts or pages as the official sources of emergency information. Collaborate with established local or national outlets.
3. Training for staff: Ensure that personnel managing social media platforms are trained in crisis communication and understand the emergency management plan.
4. Real-time monitoring: Actively monitor social media channels for the latest updates, public concerns, and misinformation that may need correcting.
5. Two-way communication: Engage with the community by not only providing information but also by responding to questions and feedback from the public.
6. Verification procedures: Set up processes for verifying information obtained from social media to ensure it's accurate before passing it on.
7. Guidelines to deal with misinformation: Have a plan for how to counteract rumors and misinformation. This may involve direct responses, public correction notices, or coordinating with reputable sources to provide accurate information.
8. Scalability: Be prepared to scale up social media efforts rapidly in response to increased activity during an emergency.
9. Legal considerations: Understand the legal implications of using social media in emergencies, such as privacy concerns and the responsibility of spreading false information.
10. Backup plans: In the event of power outages or when the Internet is down, have alternative communication strategies ready to disseminate vital information to the public.