Social Media Practices of Emergency Management Organizations during Crisis Communication: A Cross-Cultural Exploration

DOI: 10.5176/2301-3729_JMComm12.92

Authors: Sijia Yi and Suleman Shahid

Abstract: Social media is increasingly used by the public
and emergency management organizations to disseminate
and obtain information about disasters. The current study
investigates how regional emergency management agencies
(e.g. fire and police departments) in North America
(Canada and US) and the Netherlands are using social
media for crisis communication. Surveys and interviews
were conducted with Public Information Officers (PIOs) in
the three countries. Based on the findings a set of best
practices for social media use and crisis communication
were established.
Keywords: social media; crisis communication; best practices;
emergency management