Social Media In Emergency

Communication is the number one vital sign during an emergency.  Television and radio, especially local, are major resources in getting the word out to the masses.  The internet has become a useful emergency tool as well.  In addition to viewing morre timely information, there is public communication via social media.  Using this properly can be very effective.  "The Use of Social Media in Disaster Recovery" shows exactly how this can be most effectively utilized:
http://extension.missouri.edu/greene/documents/PlansReports/using%20social%20media%20in%20disasters.pdf

Flood Resources

CDC Emergency Preparedness for Flood, Hurricane, Wildfires and more
http://emergency.cdc.gov/

Flood Smart (NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program}
http://www.floodsmart.gov/
Phone: 1-888-379-9531/ 1-800-427-5593
Email: FloodSmart@dhs.gov

Disaster Assistance
http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)/ 1-800-462-7585 (TTY),
Email: DAIP@dhs.gov

FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/
Phone: 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY), 

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
http://www.cruzrojaamericana.org/
Phone: 1-800-733-2767/ 1-800-303-5000/ 1-800-257-7575 (Español)

Red Cross Blog & Updates
http://www.redcrosschat.org/

Hurricane Trifecta

The year was 2005.
Thank God I was alive.
After 1992 Hurricane Andrew
We knew what to do.

The trifecta - Katrina, Rita, Wilma - of hurricane
Was making me insane.
No electricity, no TV, no AC
Displaced twice from home’s safety.

Book deadline looming,
My mind was zooming.
Faith in hand,
There was a plan.
Well prepared for any and all
Hotels and spas heard my call.

August to November,
I will remember.
Being prepared and ready
Kept things coping steady.

by J. L. Richardson, MD