It seems like each week brings new stories of natural disaster from around the globe: devastating earthquakes, erupting volcanoes or unforgiving storms lashing a coastline. Communicating vital information about the status of victims and the level of destruction is key to the progress of rescue efforts; with the current technology available on such a large scale virtually anyone with a computer (or smart phone) and an Internet connection can create, distribute and retrieve critical information.
Breaking News over Twitter: From hashtags to Micro-blogging
Having matured from a platform for users to simply update their status for followers, Twitter has become powerful medium to get breaking news, and has played a significant role as a conduit for coordinating real-time updates and photos during the recent spate of natural disasters. While some spammers may take advantage of trending topics via hashtags, the micro-blogging platform can be a valuable resource for both victims and aid workers.
For example: on January 12, 2010, Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that affected millions. Reports of the catastrophe reached the world through a flood of posts by Twitter users reporting from the wreckage. The Nielsen Company reported a spike in activity on January 13 with followers of the Twitter account for the Red Cross having grown from 100 to over 10,000. Amazingly, many Twitter users allowed $10 to be charged to their phone bill and raised over $8 million for relief.
In addition to the New York Times, CNN, NPR and other more mainstream news outlets providing a steady stream of Twitter updates, @disasterstories posts updates and links about a current crisis.
Google Earth and Geotagging
The incredible Google Earth application displays geotagged maps, photos and video for understanding the severity of a disaster for survivors and rescue workers. In addition to the fantastic features available for exploring the Earth's oceans or the surface of Mars, Google Earth allows users to explore seismic activity in real-time, see up-to-date imagery from the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake or find out what's happening in Iceland in the wake of the latest volcanic eruption.
Facebook - Reaching Out Across Organizations
A Facebook page or group can reach out to over 400 million members with breaking news, situation status updates, relevant photos and video and more information on how to help.
To find a group or page, enter the term into the search field and move the cursor down the list to "More information...". An expanded list will appear, and choices for "Pages" or "Groups" will be on the left. Choose an option and refine the search results by choosing "Non-Profit", "Government Official" or "Organization" from the drop-down menu.
It's worth reiterating that pages and groups can be created by anyone with a Facebook account and, therefore, can be a scam; however, before getting involved in a relief effort – especially if it involves giving money – the credentials of the administrator should be verified.
Mobile Applications
In the wake of a disastrous event having immediate access to medical emergency information can play a pivotal role for treating injuries.
And, yes, there's an app for that. Several, in fact – notably the Pocket First Aid and CPR application from the American Heart Association and ICE.
Pocket First Aid and CPR features video and illustrated reference guides in emergencies. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that "...an American filmmaker who was injured and trapped under rubble in the devastating Haiti earthquake credits a first-aid iPhone application with helping him get out alive after 65 hours... Dan Woolley, who was caught in the collapse of the Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince, used the Pocket First Aid and CPR app to treat a compound fracture of his leg and a cut on his forehead."
ICE stands for "In Case of Emergency" and allows the user to summarize their important medical information to be used by emergency personnel. Respondents to a trauma victim can retrieve the person's name, photo, primary emergency contact details, medical conditions and organ donor information.
Preparation Through Accessibility
The expanding interconnectedness provided by social networks offers a viable platform for sharing information during a time of crisis. Harnessed appropriately online services and applications can make the difference between life and death.
Edmund O'Reilly - Originally from New York, Edmund moved to Australia in 2006 and works as the Creative Director at a multimedia agency in North Sydney, ...
