Social Media Innovation

Posts Tagged ‘Emergencies’

When you play with fire, you are going to get burned.

Photo credit: Fire by JaredVanderzell

Social media is being used more and more in everyday situations. However, should it be used in emergency situations?

Social Media’s Role

I think that social media should be used in conjunction with current methods for reporting emergency situations. The nice thing about social media is that it can reach millions of people across the globe in a matter of seconds. However, you never really know if those who can actually do anything about a situation will get the message. The benefit of calling 9-1-1 on the phone is that you know you are talking to someone who can dispatch help to the needed location right away. You have that vocal affirmation.

I would most likely use social media to let family, friends and loved ones know that I was OK if I was in or near an emergent situation. Additionally, I would also use it to let people know that I was in an emergent situation, after the proper authorities were notified. I actually did just that a few weeks ago when I was in a car accident. I first called 9-1-1, AAA, my insurance and towing company, then I took a picture and uploaded it to Facebook to let everyone know I was in a car accident, but that I was OK (Post can be found here).

As I said earlier, social media should be used in conjunction of current emergency methods, not as a replacement. What are your thoughts?