Bernard J. McCarthyNatalie L. Hanrion

Missouri State University

14th Annual Emergency Management Higher Education Conference

June 6-9, 2011

Definition Social media explained

http://psusmm.wordpress.com/2011/04/18/upcea/ Web 1.0 versus Web 2.0

(Information vs. Participation)

Who uses social media and how? Types of social media Use of social media as a crisis communication

tool Measuring its effectiveness

FEMA/DHS CDC Red Cross Selected Universities

Information platform Public relations Showcasing students, faculty, university events Connecting people Communicating university messages to students,

faculty, alumni and the community Broadcasting university sponsored events Educational tool Emergency and public safety notification

Communicating Education Networking Research

http://www.digitalsurgeons.com/facebook-vs-twitter-infographic/

http://www.digitalsurgeons.com/facebook-vs-twitter-infographic/

http://www.flowtown.com/blog/the-state-of-youtube

Integrating social media into the communications tool kit◦ Adopt a policy for use◦ Involving the right people◦ Educate management◦ Time commitment/resources◦ Be aware of technology change and use preference◦ Use of metrics◦ Identify limitations

Understanding the requirements of the Clery Act Decide whether you wish to be THE SOURCE for

Emergency/Public Safety Information

Be respectful Be transparent Listen Be active Be timely Remember, everything you do online can and will

live forever Comment

◦ From Vanderbilt University Social Media Handbook.

Accept and monitor comments Separate personal from professional Be a valued community member Continually update

Issue of control Information overload Misuse (Secret Service and CDC Zombie

Apocalypse) Vulnerabilities and limitations User expectations

Social Media is a powerful tool Opportunity for Emergency/Public Safety to

expand their reach and effectiveness. Forms of social media will evolve Know your users, their needs, and how they use

technology Identify who your users are and where they go for

information! Remember if you don’t get the story out,

someone else will!