Virtual Operations Support Teams Briefing Concept Cheryl Bledsoe Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) #VOST on Twitter

Social Media Changes Emergency Response Provides the ability for information to be shared rapidly Increases the amount of visual data that is available from people “on the scene” Offers Emergency Response Organizations access to a Haystack of information #VOST on Twitter

What is a Virtual Operations Support Team? Team of “Trusted agents,” organized and directed by EM Response Organizations – Incident Management Teams – Incident PIO’s – Emergency Operations Centers) VOST teams are given social media and web-based missions to manage #VOST on Twitter

Tasked Information finding Spot Trends Information dissemination Autonomous Monitoring public voice Amplifying official message Monitor Curate Amplify #VOST on Twitter How can VOST assist EM Agencies?

United States New Zealand Canada Europe #VOST on Twitter Where Are VOST Teams Currently?

Emergency Managers (from other areas), Public Information Officers, Intel Analysts, High-Tech Staff, Social Media Savvy Supporters, Students and Volunteers from diverse backgrounds! #VOST on Twitter Who Makes Up a VOST Team?

Benefits of a VOST Ability to Focus on Web Variety of Skills & Abilities Available, based on networks of participants Ability to See Trends & Issues Provides a Filter for EM Response Agencies #VOST on Twitter

Disaster occurs/event selected Decision to activate. Activated by EOC or self activated to ensure data is collated ASAP Set tasks, priorities, schedule, tools/platforms VOST expands/contracts according to Incident command principles Deactivation, discussion, documentation, AAR Exercises between activations to stay current on tools & platforms Concept #VOST on Twitter VOST Instance Cycle

Step 1: EM Organization activates VOST team leader, (or VOST decides to self-deploy if pre-arranged with criteria) Step 1: EM Organization activates VOST team leader, (or VOST decides to self-deploy if pre-arranged with criteria) Step 2: VOST Team Lead activates local and nonlocal team members Step 2: VOST Team Lead activates local and nonlocal team members TL Activations may vary and be subject to change based on pre arrangements with EM agencies. #VOST on Twitter VOST Activation

Activations may vary and be subject to change based on pre arrangements with EM agencies. #VOST on Twitter Types of VOST Missions Wildfire: Slower Evolving Missions Develop Incident Presence Disseminate & Amplify Often in Rural Communities Dynamic Incidents: (Tornadoes / Severe Weather) Find unaddressed concerns Gather Damage Assessment Law Enforcement: Intelligence / Monitoring Training / Exercise: Practice, Practice, Practice

Activations may vary and be subject to change based on pre arrangements with EM agencies. #VOST on Twitter Preparing a VOST Team Emergency Management Entity Understand the Need Become Familiar with Social Media Identify Types of Missions Achieve Agency Buy-In Recruit Team Members Establish Protocols Train/Exercise

VOST Website: which is maintained by Joanna Lane Skype Coordination Room called “All Things VOS” for general chat-based coordination VOST Leadership Coalition Monthly Teleconference on last Friday of each month to debrief incidents & exercises Cheryl Bledsoe, Facilitator Orange County VOST Creation CRESA Field Operations Guide Google Doc Workbook Templates created by Marlita Reddy-Hjelmfelt & Caroline Milligan Google Doc Workbook Templates #VOST on Twitter VOST Support Resources

End of Presentation Contact Information: Cheryl Bledsoe #VOST on Twitter Questions & Answers