Social media used to save lives

STILLWATER, OK — Most people probably don’t believe that Facebook is a tool that can save lives.

In fact, most people probably don’t believe that Facebook is useful beyond “creeping” on friends’ photos and posting witty status updates.

However, a recent study done by the Red Cross proves that Facebook is more than just a place to waste time.

In a survey released Wednesday, the Red Cross observed information concerning Americans’ use of social media during natural disasters.

The study showed that 18 percent of Americans admitted to using Facebook for emergency information in a time of crisis.

Oklahoma has seen its fair share of crisis recently, with tornadoes and wind damage being consistent themes throughout this summer. Therefore, it seems more important now than ever before to have multiple means of communication available.

Rusty Surette, Red Cross Regional Director of Communications in Oklahoma, uses the recent earthquake in the northeast part of the United States as another example of a natural disaster that motivated this survey.

“This earthquake is a perfect example of what happens when a major event happens and phone lines go down,” Surette said. “People were going online to check on their loved ones, because it was the only way they could. For us, this is a time we strongly recommend that students get in touch with their parents and encourage them to join [Facebook] just in case something like this happens here.”

Surette is not alone in believing that more people would benefit in joining social networking sites.

According to the survey, four out of five people support the statement that response groups should be monitoring social media.

In addition, one-third of the population believe requests for help should be able to be made through social media, and that these requests should be responded to within one hour.

In fact, the Red Cross is one step ahead of the game, by including Facebook and Twitter on their emergency messages.

“I would honestly say the big thing (Red Cross) is doing right now,” Surette said, “is encouraging everyone to look at this information and realize that this is proof that there is a group of our population that is depending on Facebook and Twitter to communicate with one another.”

The Red Cross insists the calling 9-1-1 is the best option when an emergency occurs.

Should such an event arise, the Red Cross Safe and Well site is www.redcross.org/safeandwell, and students can also download a free iTunes application from the Red Cross Shelter.

Read the story here.

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