Social Media and Emergency Management: Exploring State and Local Tweets

Social media for emergency management has emerged as a vital resource for government agencies across the globe. In this study, we explore social media strategies employed by governments to respond to major weather-related events. Using social media monitoring software, we analyze how social media is used in six cities following storms in the winter of 2012. We listen, monitor, and assess online discourse available on the full range of social media outlets (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs). To glean further insight, we conduct a survey and extract themes from citizen comments and government's response. We conclude with recommendations on how practitioners can develop social media strategies that enable citizen participation in emergency management.