PATHS | Information Development
Step 2: Understand Social Media Uses in Emergency Management
Summary
Now that you are familiar with the basic social media (SM) functions, this step provides a comprehensive listing of how each of the SM management functions (listening, engagement, publishing, and reporting) can be used in emergency management (EM). We present each of the uses of these functions as they apply to the four phases of EM, as summarized in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1: Emergency Management Phases
Throughout this step, we apply these phases simply as a way to categorize the uses of SM. If you would like to learn more about EM, visit the Resources tab of this WebResource.
It is worth noting up front that, at a minimum, you should consider implementing SM listening as a starting point. Listening is important not only because it often provides early indicators for spotting issues, but also because it forms the basis for performing each of the remaining three SM management functions.
As you read through these specific ways in which SM can support EM, consider how you may apply them to your airport. Later, in Step 8, you can apply what you have learned in defining what level of integration your team will employ.