Online Community Gives First Responders a Place to Discuss Social Media Best Practices

July 15, 2011
As the public increasingly turns to Twitter and Facebook for the latest breaking news during an emergency or disaster, first responders also use social media to educate, train and share information. Now, a special online community brings first responders together to discuss the effective use of social media in their work.

Using social media to disseminate information is fast, easy, inexpensive and accessible – for the public and first responders alike. The Make America Safer through Social Media Community on the First Responder Communities of Practice Web site provides a place for first responders to discuss and collaborate on best social media practices ranging from privacy, security and liability concerns, program strategy and more.

Interested members first must verify their identities as first responders before participating. So far, law enforcement, public health, emergency management and decontamination professionals in 33 states have been vetted for the Make America Safer through Social Media Community. Once they become members, responders can share their experiences, collaborate on projects, share social media handbooks and policies, make use of the community’s various tools and more.

“We look forward to exploring what the future will bring by means of social media tools that will assist us in communicating and serving our friends and partners more effectively,” said Capt. Mark Basnight, spokesman for the Charlotte Fire Department Office of Public Affairs and Chair of the Virtual Social Media Working Group.

After all, learning from other first responders can save time and help these workers more quickly do what they do best – effectively protecting the public from disasters and emergencies.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

Sponsored Recommendations

Committing to Safety: Why Leadership’s Role in Safety Excellence is Key

Jan. 13, 2025
Leadership has the power to transform an organization through their behavior and vision, which can result in the creation of an organizational culturethat supports safety excellence...

Speak Up! Cementing "See Something, Say Something" to Drive Safety

Jan. 13, 2025
Many organizations promote "see something, say something" to encourage their people to intervene and make work safe. But most don't go far enough to equip teams with the skills...

The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease

Jan. 13, 2025
DEKRA announces its latest white paper, “The Truth and Challenges of Cultivating Chronic Unease,” as a definitive look into why being vulnerable to incidents strengthens our commitment...

Mitigating Risks: Strategies for Safeguarding Workers in Hazardous Workplaces

Jan. 13, 2025
Join our expert team in taking on the challenge to make safety part of your organization’s DNA as work, the workforce, and workplaces evolve.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!