Bernard J. McCarthy Natalie L. Hanrion Missouri State University 14th Annual Emergency Management Higher Education Conference June 6-9, 2011

 Definition  Social media explained  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

 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!