The City of Steinbach will be using social media platforms Facebook and Twitter to keep residents informed during future emergencies. Social media will be one more tool to keep people updated with current and ongoing information.
“The early winter storm in October this year is a great example where social media can play a critical role in disseminating information.” states Denis Vassart, Emergency Planning Coordinator for the City of Steinbach. Referring to the power outages and road closures caused by the storm, “There is significant value in being able to send updates and provide direction from smart phones instantaneously – and then have that information further distributed in as little as a few seconds.”
Vassart directs people that use Twitter to an account that has been set up under “EmergAlertStbh”. Residents of Steinbach are encouraged to begin following EmergAlertStbh to receive future alerts regarding emergency situations in the City of Steinbach. Steinbach Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) views Twitter as another information platform where emergency information is posted and updated regularly during emergency situations. EmergAlertSteinbach will only be used during emergency situations as deemed appropriate by the Steinbach EOC.
For more general information the Steinbach’s EOC has also set up a Facebook page called Steinbach Emergency Preparedness. The page educates Steinbach and area residents about various emergency situations and how they can ensure their families and loved ones are prepared. During an emergency in Steinbach, relevant information and updates will be posted to the page with links to other pertinent sources of information.
“Having accurate information is important, but being able to share that information quickly and efficiently is critical. Social media will assist with this.”
Members of the Steinbach EOC will be responsible for updating information to both Facebook and Twitter.
For more information about Steinbach’s Emergency Plan and Preparedness click here.
