laurie.vanleuven

Citizens are key to resiliency and they expect to use social media during disasters as part of a comprehensive, layered info system. While some agencies use social media to distribute info, we have largely ignored the huge potential of crowdsorcing to help verify and inform the whole community. Social media is also critical for communities to self organize recovery efforts (cleanup party at a school, or clearing debris). ...more »

Establishing resilient communities requires more engagement among all members of society. Emergency management and public safety agencies should facilitate and offer a forum for that information exchange before, during and after an emergency. PPD 8 calls for all members of the community (not just government employees) to be prepared and contribute to improving resiliency. Digital mediums empower the public to provide ...more »

PPD 8 calls for all members of the community (not just government employees) to be prepared and contribute to improving resiliency. Digital mediums empower the public to provide instantaneous eye-witness reports when a situation is developing. Citizens are the true first responders to meta-disasters and we need to leverage their capabilities. Social media reports accumulate rapidly and can be overwhelming during a disaster. ...more »