Social Media and Hurricane Sandy

With the major storm event we are experiencing, it’s interesting to see how social media is playing a critical role in both spreading the word about what’s happening with Hurricane Sandy and providing resources for cleanup and relief efforts. This is a testament of just how much social media has become an integral part of our lives. No longer is social media just for socializing.

Patrick Himes just wrote in interesting article about how Google and other corporations have taken an active role in providing easily accessible information regarding the storm. I have included the Crisis Response Map. Read the following article:

Hurricane Sandy: Tracking the Storm via Google and Social Media

If you haven’t heard about Hurricane Sandy by now, you’re probably completely disconnected from the world. The unique storm off the East Coast has been getting the kind of attention any business would dream of getting. Understandably, the attention is coming from the recognition that the storm could be one for the record books.

I, for one, have prepared more than any other time in my life. I don’t think I’ve gotten everything I need for days, but I’m hoping to rely on my two years of Peace Corps food rationing skills (had to make those goodies from home last a long time!) and experience with hours upon hours of no electricity to make it through this. I’ve got water, a full gas tank, extra food, and most importantly, all of my portable electronics are fully charged.

Meanwhile, other businesses and people are getting prepared and helping others gain as much information as possible. Google has taken a very interesting step today. They’ve decided to launch an interactive map concerning the storm. Social Media on the population-heavy East Coast has also helped spread information as millions prepare for the storm.
Google Now Does Hurricanes

According to Stan Schroeder at Mashable, “Google is helping those affected prepare for the storm with a dedicated crisis map.” Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall Google doing this before—at least not to this extent. To me, the idea is brilliant and meaningful. Google cancelled their Nexus launch event and instead released this interactive map, which is great. You can check out the detailed map at the Mashable link above.

Google has packed a great deal of useful information on the interactive map. You can follow the path of the storm, view affected areas and predictions, find important emergency locations, and much more. Schroeder also writes that “Google has also launched a special Sandy crisis map for New York City,” where you can find evacuation zones, shelter information, and much more. I’m really impressed with the effort behind Google’s maps. They’ve done the right and admirable thing to put their vast resources to use for a public service.
Everyone Helping Out

The BBC is also reporting that both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times have removed their paywalls. They hope to provide as much information to as many people as possible. But these two newspapers aren’t the only places online helping those who will live through this storm. Social media, likely because of the millions affected by this storm, has kicked into full gear.

According to an AFP story, “social networks [are] abuzz with the latest news, tips and reassurances.” #Sandy has been a top trending topic on Twitter as well as on Tumblr and other platforms. Facebook groups have been popping up to help people communicate and prepare.

Accuweather even hosted a Google+ Hangout so that people could “get their questions … answered in real time by their meteorologists.” There are apps-a-plenty available from organizations like the American Red Cross, which are loaded with information. Despite the seriousness of the storm, people have even taken the time to be humorous about the situation.
Technology at its Best

I find it wonderful to see all of this great technology be fully utilized at time when we need it most. Companies like Google earn a lot of brownie points in my world because they go out of their way to help. Fifty years ago, heck, even 20 years ago, there would be millions of people still worried with lots of questions unanswered. Now we can find out answers in a matter of seconds.

Read more at: http://www.business2community.com/social-media/hurricane-sandy-tracking-the-storm-via-google-and-social-media-0318432#f6tkhwki40251YvP.99

This is an awesome display of how social media has changed communication in recent years. Our ability to share information real-time and provide support to those who need it is truly amazing.

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by Bradley Benner via Big Bamboo Marketing

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