Crisis Response

Yesterday Patrick Meier posted a great article about the use of social media (SM) “Big Data” in disaster response.  Specifically, he challenges growing assumptions and presumptions that SM big data analysis improves decision making during a disaster.  He discounts the ...

I must say, this past week was unprecedented as social media news is concerned.  The terrorist bombings in Boston, the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion and the subsequent gun battle and manhunt of the marathon terrorists made for a target ...

Like everyone else I was horrified to learn of the massacre in Boston.  Due to work obligations I learned of the attack three hours after it happened. I am just now starting to catch up on the tweets, pictures, videos ...

I found a tweet a couple of days ago that made me go “It’s about time!” The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation just announced they were no longer supporting the rigid approach espoused by the disciples of the Critical Incident Stress ...

Sung to the tune of Here Comes Santa Claus. Yes, I know it is Halloween season, but I can’t get the tune out of my head. The only thing “Frankenstorm” Sandy will likely be delivering are huge lumps of soggy ...

Over the past couple of weeks the #SMEM Twitter world has been noodling with the question of the changing role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in crisis.  Some even wondered aloud if this function is now obsolete with the ...

I’m writing this while sitting on the deck of a golf resort, overlooking an uphill tough par 5 hole that I’ve only reached in two one time in the dozen times I’ve tried.  All day long, foursomes of hackers like ...

I recently met with a group of boathouse owners at our local marina that recently suffered a fire killing two boat owners, destroying the large boathouse and 12 large pleasure boats.  In prepping for my presentation I came across one ...

Ever since I was a kid I religiously read National Geographic Magazine.  My grandparents kept issues dating back to the mid 30’s, and I looked forward to reading these mini-time capsules.  As I got older I added encyclopedias to my ...

I had a sobering discussion with my son last night.  He is 23 years old, works as a part-time firefighter, and also serves as a resident volunteer firefighter.  He is testing everywhere, intent on “winning the lotto”.  I have no ...