Condensing

I am condensing my blogs into one at this time. Please follow me at: paladinwife.blogspot.com (I promise, I write about EM every once in a while).

The Negatives of Social Networking

After my last post, a few things have come to mind regarding using social network sites in emergency management and response. Here are some things social networking should never be used for:
 Subitting tips to the police
 Unrestricted access to specific details regarding response or responders
 Pictures of incidents that have not been released to the media
 Unconfirmed details
 Details not released by the incident commander
We all know that information can easily fall into the wrong hands, so using social networking sites, or any forms of media, can be deterimental to an incident. For example, if using Facebook to distribute information about a kidnapped child, the poster needs to keep in mind that the kidnapper can access Facebook and stay one step ahead of law enforcement. In these situations, the less information plastered around the internet, the better.

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Please, feel free to add any other problems you predict with social networking, in regards to an emergency situation.

Social Networking and Emergency Response

Using social networking sites for emergency response may seem a tad farfetched for those old school responders, but in times when even my grandmother is on Facebook, what better way to reach hundreds of contacts in five minutes? Facebook, along with other social networking sites like Twitter, have revolutionized the way we communicate. With one post, thousands of people can be contacted and mobilized to respond in an emergency situation. Amber Alerts are passed on via Facebook, mobilization information for Search and Rescue groups are initiated via Twitter, and mass requests for resources can be answered with a click of a button.
During the Virginia Tech Shootings of 2007, Facebook groups were utilized to gather accurate information about the victims. Students joined groups like “I’m OK at VT” and allowed family members around the world to ease their fears. Posts in these groups identified victims through first- and second-hand accounts. While posting inaccurate information was a definite concern during the hours following the shootings, group members were adamant about posting correct information, and requested confirmation before adding names to the list. This was the first time that any social networking site has been used as an accurate medium for information immediately following a disaster.
We see Facebook used to spread information about Amber Alerts, and now, even some police stations are using it to track down criminals. This past week, the Fredericksburg Police Department, in Fredericksburg, VA used their Facebook page to post information about a subject and the posting led to the subject’s capture. On a similar note, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Search and Rescue Coordinator uses his Facebook and Twitter pages to alert personnel of current searches. This is an extremely efficient way to alert many organization and personnel of a search. Recently, it also let area residents know of an ongoing search and they were prepared to offer assistance with resources like food and shelter for searchers.

South Africa and the World Cup

History is in the making this summer as South Africa becomes the first African country to host the FIFA World Cup. Preparations began in 2004 with security being a major concern. Upgrades were made on five existing stadiums with an additional five venues built to host the myriad of matches. These ten venues are spread throughout the country, increasing the transportation and security challenges. Over 40,000 police officers have been deployed for the World Cup, which will cost the SA government over $70 million. An additional $74 million was spent on equipment and services, including helicopters, unmanned aircraft, mobile command vehicles, and body armor. Transportation infrastructure, to include public transportation, metro systems, and major roadways. Special security measures were implemented to insure the safety of all athletes and visitors.

Security plans for the country and its borders have been increased greatly, to include escorting cruise ships into port from international waters. Fighter jets are being used to clear air space during the matches and to monitor previously declined “no fly zones.” Bomb squads are standing by for each match. Each country’s team has been assigned a security liason officer who organizes travel routes, security at the hotel, and chasing down any potential threats.

Bottom Line: South Africa is prepared. Albeit, not for everything, but for somethings. And that, is the first step.