Red Cross Using Social Media To Connect During Disasters
We've been talking about severe weather a lot the past few weeks, our own meteorologist has predicted a busy spring. But what happens after disaster strikes? How can your family know you are safe? The Red Cross is using social media to help you connect with loved ones after a disaster.
Last summer Mike Clark helped with flood relief by volunteering for the Red Cross.
“When we went door to door often time’s people were very happy to see us,” said Clark.
As he went door to door he helped people register with the Red Cross' ‘Safe and Well’ website.
“It also will give that individual a little bit of reassurance knowing that they are okay,” said Clark.
But this method is a far cry from the technologies that were available seven years ago, when Clark volunteered after Hurricane Katrina.
“I couldn't just sit back here in Nebraska and watch the chaos occur,” said Clark. “I called the American Red Cross and they opened up the disaster call center where we took calls from people affected by the hurricane,” said Clark.
He said thousands of people called the center, asking how to find their loved ones.
“That's the number one priority with people is, is my family okay? Is my daughter okay, is my brother okay,” said Clark.
On the ‘Safe and Well’ website you can check-in at a shelter, write a message and link it to your Facebook or Twitter accounts.
“It gives them that piece of mind that they are okay,” said Clark.
The process only takes about five minutes and it's easy for anyone to access.
“It’s safe and secure and it's a great tool to prepare for a disaster and after the disaster to let your loved ones know where you are at,” said Clark.
There is also an app for the iPhone and iPad called “Shelter View”. It gives the name and address of every open shelter in the country. During a disaster you can locate shelters and get up to date information.
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