#JessicaRidgeway and #FindJessica

I have removed the various data tracking links due to the fact that they were all overwhelmed by the shear amount of data that has been posted on the #jessicaridgeway related tags.

I am continuing to track data.  If you have any social media data related to this incident please let me know so that I can include the information in my analysis.

Thank you.
Nathan

Primary Law Enforcement Agency: 
Westminster PD
Twitter: @westminsterpd
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Westminsterpolice

Facebook Page (not connected with Westminster PD)
http://www.facebook.com/MissingJessicaRidgeway

Additional Information Website:
http://www.broadcasthemissing.us/2012/10/06/amber-alert-for-jessica-ridgeway-westminster-co/

The Lower North Fork Fire Integrated Social Media Strategy

Looking for an example where a social media strategy was put to the test during a real life type I incident? 

Look no further!

Information has just been released, via www.jeffcosheriff.blogspot.com, that shares all of the details and statistics behind the successful Lower North Fork Fire "Integrated Social Media Strategy".

Check out: http://jeffcosheriff.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-integrated-social-media-strategy.html for all the details.

I have reblogged the post below.  Let me know if you have any questions!

The Integrated Social Media Strategy
During the Lower North Fork Fire the Jefferson County Type III Incident Management Team engaged the public using a fully integrated social media strategy.   

This blog post provides access to a number of resources, archives, and documents that explain how the integrated strategy worked.   

We are releasing these statistical and analytical documents in order to share with our local and global community the strategy's many successes and lessons learned. 

If you have any questions about any of this material or how it was obtained please contact us at jeffcosheriff@gmail.com. 

Report:

•  Executive Summary

•  @JeffcoSheriffCo: Integrated Social Media & Public Information Strategy

Powerpoint Presentation

• Integrated Social Media Strategy: Powerpoint

 Summary Sheets: 

• Twitter Fact Sheet

• Google Products Fact Sheet

Twitter (@jeffcosheriffco) Documentation and Analysis 

• Each tweet from @JeffcoSheriffCo with statisistics via Crowdbooster.com

• Documentation of every Tweet sent via @jeffcosheriffco via Twitter

• Documentation of all Tweets containing @JeffcoSheriffCo as Produced by Rowfeeder.com:

• @JeffcoSheriffCo Statistics and Data as Produced by Rowfeeder.com

• Klout Statistics and Data as produced by Klout.com

#LowerNorthForkFire Hashtag Documentation and Analysis

• #LowerNorthForkFire Hashtag Statistics

• #LowerNorthForkFire Tweets (3/28/12-4/6/12)

• Notable #LowerNorthForkFire Tweets

Blog (www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com) Posts:

• Blog Post Day 1 (March 26th)

• Blog Post Day 2 (March 27th)

• Blog Post Day 3 (March 28th)

• Blog Post Day 4 (March 29th)

• Blog Post Day 5 (March 30th)

• Blog Posts Day 6 (March 31st)

• Blog Post Day 7 (April 1st)

• Blog Post Day 8 (April 2nd)

• Blog Statistics and Data as produced by Blogger

Google Maps, Picasa, Google Docs:

•  Google Products Statistics and Data as produced by Google

Feedback via Twitter and Email:

• Positive Feedback via Twitter

• Suggestions/Criticism of @JeffcoSheriffCo’s use of Social Media

• Social Media Feedback sent to jeffcosheriff@gmail.com

Twitter Training Storify

this item was removed and reposted to the blog on 1/31/13

#SMEMCHAT Summary 9/7/12

Check out this Storify showing the highlights from the #SMEMCHAT held on 9/7/12
http://storify.com/smem911/smemchat-9-7-12-summary

Highlights from #SMEMCHAT 8/24/12

Check out this Storify showing the highlights from the #SMEMCHAT held on 8/31/12
http://storify.com/smem911/smemchat-8-31-12-highlights

You can also view the Storify embedded in my Tumblr account available here:
http://smem911.tumblr.com/post/30647415148/smemchat-8-31-12-highlights

Highlights from #SMEMCHAT 8/24/12

Check out this Storify showing the highlights from the #SMEMCHAT held on 8/17/12.
http://storify.com/smem911/smemchat-8-24-12

You can also view the Storify embedded in my Tumblr account available here:
http://smem911.tumblr.com/post/30161380593/smemchat-8-24-12

Highlights from #SMEMCHAT 8/17/12

Check out this Storify showing the highlights from the #SMEMCHAT held on 8/17/12.
http://storify.com/smem911/smemchat-8-17-12

You can also view the Storify embedded in my Tumblr account available here:
http://smem911.tumblr.com/post/29750976310/smemchat-8-17-12

Highlights from #SMEMCHAT 8/10/12

Check out this Storify showing the highlights from the #SMEMCHAT held on 8/10/12.
http://storify.com/smem911/smemchat-8-10-12-highlights-tourist-disaster-prep

You can also view the Storify embedded in my Tumblr account available here:
http://smem911.tumblr.com/post/29185735136/smemchat-8-10-12-highlights-tourist-disaster-prep 

Highlights from #SMEMCHAT 7/27/12

Check out this Storify showing the highlights from the #SMEMCHAT 7/27/12.
http://storify.com/smem911/smemchat-highlights-7-27-12#

You can also view the Storify embedded in my Tumblr account available here:
http://smem911.tumblr.com/post/28252907542/smemchat-highlights-7-27-12

#WaldoCanyonFire Transcript

Hashtracking.com has been able to provide the hashtag transcript for the #waldocanyonfire. I have created an excel file as well as a pdf file with the information. The files are large, they document 100,000 plus tweets, so do be patient as they download. I have color coded the document to help identify specific accounts.

If you would like to see the tweets from a specific account just load the excel file and sort the whole document by username.

The files are too large for Google to show a preview...you will have to download the files (links below):

Excel File: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B47x0dvoT_WOc1cxc05fU21XQW8/edit

PDF File: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B47x0dvoT_WObFJlVnl1S2J1LXM/edit?pli=1

Link to Hashtracking report: http://beta.hashtracking.com/ht-pro-rpt/cjeffers-waldocanyonfire-2012-06-24/

Please let me know if you have any questions.

It does look like a few hours at the beginning of the twitter discussion were not tracked by the hashtracking report. This is probably because there were a number of hashtags being used at the start of the incident. To get a true twitter history, for the start of the incident, you will need to review messages sent by a specific account sent before the #waldocanyonfire hashtag was established (scroll back through their history on via Twitter.com).

#SMEMCHAT Storify

Check out my review of the latest #SMEMCHAT:

http://storify.com/smem911/smem911-review-of-smemchat-7-13-12

This is my first ever Storify story!  Let me know what you think!

God Bless,
Nathan

New SMEM911 Activity!

It has been a busy night!

SMEM911 now has brand new Storify, Pinterest, and Tumblr accounts!

Storify: http://storify.com/smem911

Tumbler: http://smem911.tumblr.com/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/smem911/

Also working on a Facebook Page: .... http://www.facebook.com/Smem911

Add these Social Media tools to this blog (smem911.blogspot.com) and the twitter account (@SMEM911) and you can see that I have my hands full!

Think there is a 'must have' account that I need to get?  Let me know!

Why have I created these accounts?  The only way to learn how to use a social media platform is to activily use it!  I use each of these accounts to explore their potential and learn how they might be used during an emergency or any other critical incident.

#CoFire Documentation (Test)

Resources for Waldo Canyon Fire

Official Updates
www.inciweb.org/incident/2929


Local Government Websites:
Elpasoteller911.org
Springsgov.com
Douglas County Sheriff's Office News Blog
USAFA
www.coemergency.com
Woodland Park
Teller County
Teller County Office of Emergency Management
El Paso County 


Twitter:
Most are posting to #WaldoCanyonFire and #Cofire (link goes to live streams via Monittor.com)
Some are posting to #WaldoCanyon, #WaldoFire, #ColoradoSprings etc...
@Inciweb
@EPCSheriff
@PPRedCross
@EPCPIO
@CSFDPIO
@Springsgov
@COEmergency
@CSTMC (Traffic)
@DCsheriff
@VisitCOS
@RMACCFireInfo
@EPCPublicHealth
@mayorstevebach
@CSPDPIO
@CSP_CSprings

A twitter list with all of these accounts can be found here: https://twitter.com/#!/hunerwadel/waldo-canyon-fire/members
http://trendsmap.com/ (shows what is trending and where)


Phone Numbers to Call: as listed by the Denver Post
For information on Waldo Canyon fire, call El Paso County Sheriff's Office at 719-520-7183/7069. 
For non-emergency enquiries, call 719-955-0742.
Register your landline/cell for reverse 911 evac orders or call 719-785-1900
Red Cross in Colorado Springs is at 719-632-3563

Non-emergency assistance and service referrals: Pikes Peak United Way, (719) 955-0742 (via www.springsgov.com)


Numbers listed in Inciweb:

Waldo Canyon Fire Joint Information Center
Phone: 719-520-7058
Hours: 0700-2200

Waldo Canyon Information Center
Phone: 720-402-7935
Hours: 0700-2200

Waldo Canyon Fire Information Center
Phone: 720-202-4510
Hours: 0700-2200

Waldo Canyon Fire Information Center
Phone: 720-237-9947
Hours: 0700-2200

Waldo Canyon Fire Information Center
Phone: 720-237-3417

Woodland Park Numbers (Listed via Teller County Office of Emergency Management)


Non-Emergency Contact Phone Numbers:
Teller County – 719-687-8812
City of Woodland Park – 719-687-9246




Evacuees Registration:
www.redcross.org/safeandwell

If you would like to receive a notification regarding the status of your home. 
http://www.springsgov.com/template/WaldoCanyonNotify.asp


Verified Lodging:
http://www.visitcos.com/fireinfo


MAPS
Inciweb Maps
Colorado Division of Emergency Management Google Map
http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/#
Google Crisis Response
Denver Post via Geomac.gov
ESRI Mapping Tool


Donations:
Goodwill
Red Cross - Pikes Peak Chapter
Care & Share food and non-perishable donations can be made from M-F 7am-6pm @ 2605 Preamble Point - according to @springsgov 6/27/12 at 0800
HelpColoradoNow.org (coop between Colorado Division of Emergency Management and COVOAD - Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)
http://www.ppcf.org/
National Donations Management Network


Facebook Support Groups:
Waldo Canyon Fire Assistance Group
Waldo Canyon Fire
Waldo Canyon Fire Prayer Line
Waldo Canyon Wild Fire
Pikes Peak Red Cross
Colorado Wildfire Info Group


Community Website
http://waldofire.com/
http://www.visitcos.com/fireinfo


Social Media Sources:
http://waldofire.herokuapp.com/
http://coloradofires2012.weebly.com/
Craigslist - Volunteers




Local News Agencies:

• KKTV
• KRDO
• KOAA
• Fox 21 News
• Colorado Springs Gazette
• http://www.coloradoconnection.com/

Tourism Info

www.colorado.com or call 1-800-COLORADO.
http://www.visitcos.com/fireinfo
http://www.colorado.com/colorado-wildfire-updates-for-travelers

If you have another resource to add to the this list please send me a tweet @smem911

#CoFire & #HashtagConfusion

I am trying to keep a record of various Hashtags that have been and are being used to track Colorado wildfires.  On 6/23/12 a number of new fires broke out across Colorado and with them came a large variety of tags.  I will try to record those tags that I am aware of.  If I missed any please let me know!

Here is a Screencast showing how I have the hashtags organized via Hootsuite.com



Hashtag Summary:
#CoFire - The Default and Catch All
Just saw another catch all - #Coloradoonfire  - will watch to see if it takes flight...

Past:

Jefferson County
#LowerNorthForkFire

Larimer County
#HewlettFire 

 
Currently Active:

Fort Collins
#HighParkFire - #HighPark, also #NoCo (Northern Colorado), FoCo (Fort Collins)
#HighParkFire being used by official agencies

Estes Park
Woodland Heights Fire vs. Estes Park Fire
#WoodlandHeightsFire - Hashtag of Choice for @LarimerSheriff
Also: #EstesParkFire

On 6/23/12 at 4:27 PM @9news tweeted the following:

"#EstesParkFire is named Woodland Heights Fire via/@LarimerSheriff... using hashtag #WoodlandHeightsFire"

Lake George, West of Woodland Park
#SpringerFire

NW of Pogasa Springs Co
#LittleSandFire - #LittleSand -

West of Colorado Springs
Waldo Canyon Fire vs. Pyramid Mountain Fire
#WaldoCanyonFire (Hashtag of Choice for @EPCSheriff - El Paso County Sheriff and @PSICC_NF -USFS Pike and San Isabel)
#PyramidMtnFire (was being used by @CSFDPIO Colorado Springs Fire Department - looks like they may have switched to #WaldoCanyonFire)

This tweet from @Coemergency helps explain a possible source of the confusion:

"Two different fires in CO Springs area: ‪#pyramidMtnFire‬ started last night and NEW today Waldo Canyon Fire"

Also tweet from @PSICC_NF:

"#WaldoCanyonFire‬ This fire is erroneously being referred to as the “Pyramid Fire” but the official name is Waldo Canyon."

Tags that are also in use: #WaldoCanyon - #WaldoFire

North of Leadville, Co
#TreasureFire

SW Colorado
#WeberFire
#StateLineFire - #StateLine

With Great Tweeting Comes Great Responsibility

As I reflect on the various #SMEM developments from the past week I am somewhat appalled at how much negative attention was showered upon the Larimer County Sheriff's Office (@LarimerSheriff).  The criticism began after the Sheriff dared to ask the media to refrain from immediately publishing video or photos of homes damaged by the High Park Fire (#HighParkFire, #Cofire).  Depending on whose account you read it seemed as if the First Amendment itself had gone up in smoke!

The Denver Post shed light on the issue when they published an article commenting on the Sheriff's request and subsequent media response. The article summed up the issue stating:

"At times the journalistic imperative to deliver news clashed with authorities' efforts to control the flow of information  
On Monday, the Larimer County Sherriff's Office issued a request to the media not to show photos of destroyed homes out of respect to homeowners.
Station managers acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, but turned aside the plea on journalistic grounds."

In the #SMEM world this relatively tame article was quickly drowned out by very loud voices which looked to condemn the Sheriff for issuing his request.  Blogger Dave Statter (@STATter911 http://www.statter911.com/) wrote a flippant article which, in extreme sarcastic flare, outlined his view of the perceived government clamp down. You can read his article here: 

Those ghouls are at it again: TV stations turn down Colorado Sheriff's request not to show burned or burning homes.

This was followed up by an article from Emergency Management Magazine (@EmergencyMgtMag) entitled: Should Law Enforcement Determine What News Media Can Show or Not Show.  The article, written by Gerald Baron, did at least consider that the Sheriff's motives were not entirely maniacal:

"What is the most surprising is that the Larimer County Sheriff's office would make that request. Maybe they did it for political reasons, showing their sensitivity, while realizing that what they were asking was out of line and totally unrealistic."

But that was as forgiving as it got.  Baron concluded the article stating:

"But, maybe not. I suspect that this sad story is one more example of how some authorities are simply not understanding the world in which they now live, a world that has changed dramatically over the past few years. Larimer County Sheriff: Wake up, you are living in the Internet age."

Seriously? Do we have to jump to such harsh conclusions?  The Larimer Sheriff, though not perfect, is well aware of the Internet age.  They have a Twitter account (@LarimerSheriff) which has been pushing out constant updates (they are even mastering the art of the hashtag!) Their counterpart, @LarimerCounty, is likewise participating in the Internet information outreach campaign via Twitter and via their website.  Both entities also have corresponding Facebook accounts that are also involved in the effort.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/LarimerCounty

http://www.facebook.com/#!/larimersheriff

Clearly the Larimer County Sheriff's Office is aware that we are living in an Internet age.  If nothing else the following tweets illustrate this:

The fact that @LarimerSheriff responded to this issue via a Twitter conversation with @CalFireNews is a clear example showing that the Sheriff's Office's has a strong understanding of the Internet age.

Now let's take a close look at the Sheriff's message:

"The Sheriff's Office asked that press not show burned homes of people who had not been notified yet. Not controlling the press."

Can we in the #SMEM community calm down and simply take the Sheriff's request at face value? The Sheriff by no means squashed the 1st Amendment.  He simply asked the media to give him some time to deliver horrible news to affected families.

Is it too much to ask that everyone exercise some basic civility and responsibility even while freely exercising their First Amendment rights?  Ours certainly is a brave new world where information flows freely and swiftly but that by no means must lead to a world where basic manners and rules are antiquated or defunct.

I have begun to use the phrase, "With Great Tweeting, Comes Great Responsibility".  Let's face it, when we, the public, or the media press "send" our messages, pictures, and videos are immediately broadcast to the world.  This is a great and powerful tool which must be taken advantage of by the all entities to include the government, media and public.  Yet this same fact of immediate broadcast capability does not diminish our responsibility to ensure that the message is accurate and appropriately delivered.  On the contrary, our new found power only increases our responsibility.

When I consider the Larimer County Sheriff's request I see a reasonable request that simply attempts to allow the managing agency to make important notifications before a family's pain and suffering slaps them in the face via live television or live tweet.

To close, I am must share that I am disappointed in some members of our #SMEM community.  I expect more from us.  I expect that we would embrace my new favorite maxim, "With Great Tweeting Comes Great Responsibility".  Let's encourage everyone to go forth and exercise their First Amendment rights, but let's also ask them to do so wisely and with great care. 

Just because we can inform the world by hitting "send" does not mean we always should!

How I am Monitoring #HighParkFire

Now updated with a screencast!


I was asked to share with folks how I am monitoring the High Park Fire...

To illustrate here is a picture from my hootsuite screen:

Here is a video I created that shows briefly and swiftly how I use various tools to monitor social media information. This is the first screencast I have ever created so it is choppy and has no sound...but hey, i am learning! Better material still to come!

#HighParkFire Maps

Quickly Putting Together this Post: Compiling the various maps from the High Park Fire in Colorado...

Be advised that the majority of these are "unofficial" so take it all with a grain of salt.  I am posting here not as emergency notification material but rather as a learning tool for the Social Media and Emergency (SMEM)) Managers community.

Please Let me know if you have other maps.  I am gathering this information to research the awesome potential of Social Media.  Thanks!

NOTE: I DO NOT HAVE TIME TO KEEP THIS PAGE CURRENT...IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION YOU MAY NOT FIND IT HERE. ALWAYS GO TO THE PRIMARY SOURCE

Official #HighParkFire map via @larimercounty
 http://larimer.org/highparkfire/inventory_area_map.pdf

Official Map as provided by Inciweb
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2904/

Inciweb also has additional picture maps available here: http://inciweb.org/incident/maps/2904

"Unofficial Maps"
Been playing around with this map...absolutely fascinating... http://co.dtswildfire.com/home/Flex #HighParkFire #Cofire #SMEM #GIS #VOST #HighParkFireMap

Another map (unofficial) uses same info as above map, with different viewing options:  http://t.co/dJEYS39W 


Another great map created using data from all over the social media/official source world: 

Some additional #HighParkFire maps: Be sure to check the date and time stamps for current accuracy: http://ow.ly/bwKn0 #cofire #smem

Simulation of fire growth via @simtable
http://apps.simtable.com/fireProgression/output/CO-LRX-GW7N_%20high%20park.html

Tweek the Tweet and Project Epic:

Tweet from @kate30_dev
If you're interesting in importing TtT tweet data from #highparkfire - the best data is here: bit.ly/N1dvMa

Tweet from @Org9

#colorado #cofire Use this format to tweet info regarding #highparkfire tweakthetweet.appspot.com/client/instruc… & we will Map it here: cs.colorado.edu/~starbird/TtT_…

Fire perimeter map from @9news seen monday morning #HighParkFire #COFIRE #SMEM ....would help if it was date/time stamped http://ow.ly/bwJM3

Map From Denver Post:
https://maps.google.com/?q=http://extras.denverpost.com/media/maps/kml/high-park-wildfire-20120612.kml&msa=0&t=p&output=embed&z=12

Not a map but neat satilite photos from nasa:
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=78236&src=nha

Additional Satellite photos from weather.com http://www.weather.com/news/high-park-fire-evolution-20120611

Nothing New Under the Sun...

Nothing is new under the sun...but a whole lot is changing!

I just read through a chapter of W. Timothy Coomb's book: Ongoing Crisis Communication, Planning, Managing and Responding (2012 Sage Publications). In chapter 2, titled: Effects of the Online World on Crisis Communication, Comb argues that social media has not revolutionized crisis communication but has merely been an evolution of the same.

Coombs writes:

"We should remember that people did essentially the same communication tasks prior to the Internet.  However, it took more time, effort and resources to accomplish them." Page 19

We in the SMEM community are quick to share the newest trick and quickest way to post our information but have we really revolutionized the crisis communication world?  I think that Coombs may be more correct then we would like to recognize.  Coombs continues his theory stating:

"Crisis managers still face the same needs to identify warning signs, confront the same basic communication demands, utilize the same concepts, and must enact effective strategic responses [...] Crisis managers are faced with demands to create a quick and accurate [...] Crisis management plans (CMPs) and crisis teams still compose the heart of the crisis management effort [...] Crisis managers must weight key crisis factors and devise an appropriate and effective crisis response" Page 19-20

None of these concepts are new...so nothing has changed right? Not so fast...of course things have changed!  Coombs recognizes this and continues:

"What has changed is how the information is collected, and in some cases, how that information is processed [...] what has changed is what constitutes "quick" and how that initial response is delivered [...] what has changed is how CMPs are stored and accessed and how team members interact with one another [...] what has changed are the ways of identifying critical crisis communication and how their messages are delivered." Page 19-20

So a lot has changed! Today's communication tools and tactics have dramatically changed even as our overarching goals and tasks remain the same.  Coombs concludes the chapter stating that:

"The Internet, especially social media, is helping crisis managers execute existing communication-related tasks rather than creating the need for entirely new ones.  But crisis managers would be engaging in malpractice if they did not integrate social media into their activities." Page 29

Nothing is new under the sun.  Crisis communication has existed from the dawn of society. Their are proven plans, goals, and purposes that must be remembered.   Yet at the same time their are new and improved communication tools and tactics that must be embraced.  This leads to the spinning conclusion that nothing is new under the sun but a certainly a whole lot is changing!

This is a paradox that the modern emergency manager must recognize and embrace.  The old and the new must mix to create a communications strategy that fully integrates the proven goals of the past with the ever evolving tools and tactics of the present.

Archive for #SMEMCHAT 6/8/12

With thanks to @AnaheimCERT

AnaheimCERT: Here is the tweetdoc #smemchat archive for today http://t.co/Y6gkQyGD

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/AnaheimCERT/status/211152317645459456

Sent via TweetDeck (www.tweetdeck.com)

SMEM & the Social Media Relationship Shortfall

I recently came across an intriguing article titled: Is Social Media Sabotaging Real Communication? The article can be found at Forbes and is written by Susan Tardanico. Thank you to @DODASSMC for forwarding on the article.

The main gist of the article hinges on the following statement:

 "As human beings, our only real method of connection is through authentic communication. Studies show that only 7% of communication is based on the written or verbal word. A whopping 93% is based on nonverbal body language."

These statistics leads Tardanico to conclude that:

"With all the powerful social technologies at our fingertips, we are more connected – and potentially more disconnected – than ever before.

"Every relevant metric shows that we are interacting at breakneck speed and frequency through social media. But are we really communicating? With 93% of our communication context stripped away, we are now attempting to forge relationships and make decisions based on phrases. Abbreviations. Snippets. Emoticons. Which may or may not be accurate representations of the truth."

What jumped from the screen as I read Tardanico's words was the phrase "forge relationships". 

No matter how hard you try to spin all of the great Social Media advances nothing will ever replace the all important handshake and accepting smile. Social Media will always fall short when it comes to the real human need for relationships.  Real, personal human contact is the only tool that can seal the deal.

Social Media is a great tool, but at the end of the day that is all that it is: a tool.  We certainly can use the tool to help help create relationships but we cannot use the tool alone to forge lasting and meaningful relationships.

So what is the point?  Why should the SMEM community care?  After all, the SMEM community isn't about relationships, its about objective data and information sharing.  The SMEM community is about getting out cold hard facts; it's about finding ways to get information out quickly and accurately.  The SMEM community is thus not about forging traditional human relationships.  Or perhaps I should say that the SMEM community does not require traditional relationships in order to function.

On some levels I think these statements are entirely true.  On other levels, however the statements are completely false.  Certainly we are about getting cold hard data out to the public in an efficient and timely manner.  We don't need to shake everyone's hand to get this done (nor do we want to).  Yet, take a second and stop to think about why you want to get that important factoid out to the public. 

Odds are you are a member of the SMEM community because deep down inside you care about people.  You want your message to reach the ends of the earth because you want to save that one person who needs to hear it the most.  You may not be seeking to forge a relationship with that lost soul but on some level you do care about him.

If it follows that the SMEM community does in fact care for the human man then it should also follow that our response must consider his human needs.  A significant part of that human need rests in his relationships.  If these statements hold true then we can conclude that the SMEM community really does care about human relationships.   We can even go so far as to say that the human relationship is a foundational supporting block for the entire SMEM community.

With this foundation in mind, the SMEM community must acknowledge that we cannot solely rely on Social Media to reach the needs of the souls we are trying to save.  We cannot simply disseminate raw data  without simultaneously reaching out to those directly affected with a real, live and human response.

The final conclusion, thus, is that the SMEM community cannot isolate its efforts within the social media realm alone. The community must realize that the powerful tool of Social Media is just one tool available to the Emergency Manager.  The wise Emergency Manager will certainly use the Social Media tool but she will only use it as part of a wholly integrated strategy that considers the very real relational needs of her impacted community.

Remember, only 7% of human communication takes place in written or verbal form.  This means that 93% of our intended message might be missed if all we do is blindly tweet out 140 characters from behind a cold computer screen. 

SMEMCHAT Archive for 6/1/12 via @EmrgncyTraffic

@EmrgncyTraffic: Today's #SMEMchat archive: http://t.co/wcD3jXzY Wishing everyone a most pleasant weekend & let's be careful out there! #SMEM

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/EmrgncyTraffic/status/208619806738493441

Sent via TweetDeck (www.tweetdeck.com)

#Hashtags: 5 Key Concepts

After reviewing today's #SMEMCHAT about hashtags (viewable here thanks to @AnaheimCERT) I thought I would share my own thoughts and observations.

In the twittersphere the hashtag is vitally important.  When you use a hashtag you launch your message out of your own private sphere of influence into the world of public influence.  The main point here is that your message will simply reach more people if you responsibly tweet using appropriate hashtags.

The live stream created when people use hashtags is an evolving conversation that brings together all kinds of people who might never have crossed paths otherwise.  This is specifically true during a disaster or other emergency incident. 

During an incident many people will not know which twitter handle to follow.  In fact, the random guy with his face stuck in his smartphone will probably have no idea what agency is in charge.  What that guy will know very quickly, however, is the hashtags that are being used by those affected by the incident.

It is imperative, therefore, that the agency in charge be a strong voice in the dialogue that will take place on the incident related hashtags.  When the agency in charge jumps on board, using the hashtag that everyone else is already using, then the whole community knows not just who is in charge but also what they are doing to respond.  If the agency does not maintain a strong voice on the popularly followed hashtag(s) then the community will seek out information from other unofficial sources; a result that is simply unacceptable.

So if hashtags are important how should the emergency manager use them?  I break down the answer to this question I using 5 key concepts: Identification, Definition, Consistency, Monitoring, and Documentation.

Identification:
Hashtags are best used when they are quickly identified and defined by the agency (or agencies) in charge.  During an incident most likely relevant hashtags will already be in use well before Public Information Officers (PIOs) are able to respond.   In such a scenario it is imperative that PIOs identify the hashtags that have already taken flight (if by some miracle no hashtag has been started then take the initiative and create the hashtag; start the conversation and then listen in to see if your community is following your lead). 

Definition:
After the relevant hashtags have been identified it is important to clearly define the hashtag that the agency (or agencies) in charge will use.  This definition should be done clearly and articulately so that the public and media have no doubt as to where the official agencies will be releasing information. 

Consistency:
Once you have identified and defined the hashtag the next step is to simply ensure that all of your posts are consistently submitted to the hashtag.  Once people know where to go to read your message they will continue to return to the same place.  If your most recent update was not submitted with the hashtag they were expecting your message will not be seen.  To avoid this result every tweet should be consistently submitted to the previously identified and defined hashtag. 

One final point here: when an agency's response has concluded a message should be sent informing everyone that the agency will no longer be submitting frequent updates to the defined hashtag and that anyone seeking additional information should contact your agency directly.  If you were deep in conversation with someone you wouldn't just abruptly get up and leave the room when you were done.  Well you shouldn't do that in the twittersphere either. 

Monitoring:
An effective incident response can only take place if emergency managers are tuned into the conversations being held by their affected communities.  To that end, emergency managers should not simply use hashtags as a tool to get out their message.  They should also view the hashtag as a powerful tool that allows them to listen in to what the affected communities are saying.  The hashtag tool allows the emergency manager to stay on top of the communities needs and wants.  It also keeps them abreast of rumors and opinions that may be circulating.  In many ways this 'listening' function is the most important aspect of the hashtag. 

Some of the tools that I have used to monitor hashtags include: Monitter, Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, TweetGrid, Tweetcaster etc...  I have actually found that it is often easier to monitor hashtag conversations through the use of smartphone or tablet apps rather than via a computer based dashboard.  At any rate, it is important to learn how to use the the phone or tablet based apps so that you can stay tuned in even when you are away from your desk for long periods of time.

Documentation:
In the world of incident command documentation is ever important.  This remains true even when considering the twittersphere.  The great thing about hashtag conversations is that they are forever a part of the public record.  The frustrating thing about the twittersphere is that it is difficult to reach into the data vaults to document tweets that are just weeks or even days old.  With this in mind, it is important to have a documentation services set up at the very onset of an incident.

I have used both paid and free services to document incident related hashtags.  One of the services I used recently was Rowfeeder.  For a small fee I was able to document the hashtag conversation and also analyze the conversation via statistics and graphs.  Other services that can be used include Hootsuite, Tweetdoc and Hashtracking.

In conclusion, emergency managers would be wise to remember the importance of hashtags.  The SMEM community will be able to get the most out of the hashtag tool if they can keep in mind the 5 key concepts of Identification, Definition, Consistency, Monitoring, and Documentation. 

It is imperative that emergency managers have a voice at local watering holes during an active incident. As in days of old we must take our message to the people. In today's digital age the hashtag is simply a revolutionary new means to achieve this rather traditional end.  

Blog Updates via Email/Smartphone

I have tweaked my settings to allow me to update this blog by email via my Smartphone.

This was extremely easy to set up!

I recommend that you consider setting up this function.  You may need to issue an update someday when all you have access to is your phone!

To set up this function log into your Blogger account and click on the 'Mobile and Email' tab under the 'Settings' link.  You will be asked to create a private email account used solely to post to your blog.  It is very important that you keep that email account secret.  Anyone with access to that email address could post to your blog.

This is a valuable tool that allows you to post to your blog on the fly!

Let me know what you think!

Archive from #SMEMCHAT on 5/25/12

EmrgncyTraffic: RT @AnaheimCERT: Here is the alternative Tweetdoc archive format for today's #smemchat: http://t.co/pLm1HzGe

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/EmrgncyTraffic/status/206078151275724801

Sent via TweetDeck (www.tweetdeck.com)

Internet & Social Media is Popular Source of Emergency Info

I recently came across this bit of information (as posted by FEMA at http://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready).
When emergency managers are hesitant to embrace Social Media tactics we would be wise to remind them of this:

According to The American Red Cross, the internet - including online news sites and social media platforms - is the third most popular way for Americans to gather emergency information and let their loved ones know they are safe.

SMEM911 Updates

Spent some time tonight working on the overall design for the SMEM911 blog.

As with most of my SMEM dabblings this remains a work in progress.

I have added the #SMEM, #SMEMChat, #Toolschat, and #VOST hashtag streams to the website.

I have also created separate pages for resources and training events. For now those two pages are empty but I look forward to filling up the pages as time allows!

I look forward to continuing my SMEM work via this blog!

If you have any comments or suggestions shoot me an email (smem911@gmail.com).

ESPIOC

Currently at the Emergency Services Public Information Officers of Colorado (ESPIOC) conference in Estes Park Colorado.

I woke up early this morning so I have been learning how to use the ipad.  I am used to using the Android system so I have a bit to learn when it comes to the ipad.

At any rate...I am writing this post to again test out my blogger experience and knowledge. The #SMEM education continues!

SMEM911

I created this blog using the iPad. The purpose of this blog is to share new social media for emergency managers (smem) information. I will also use this blog to test out and share results produced via various social media tools.