Twitter is a proven performer in distributing information on disasters as they unfold and in providing users with information on shelters,
safety procedures, proper preparation far ahead of disasters, and much more.
As an information tool for the digital age, it’s been shown to be invaluable in providing much needed details when cell phones may be unavailable and landlines may be down or jammed.
In the list below, you will find Twitter feeds that relay important emergency and disaster information, both generally for the country and more specific to certain regions of it that may be more prone to certain types of disaster, such as the Western seaboard.
- American Red Cross (@RedCross)
The official Twitter feed for the American Red Cross, and a source of information on current and incoming disasters throughout the world. The American Red Cross’s Twitter feed gives up to the minute details on disasters whenever and wherever they occur, along with information and links to preparedness and response resources. The American Red Cross also offers its own host of mobile applications to receive these alerts on your phone or tablet.
- AskDickWagner (@AskDickWagner)
When the disasters are happening and you need a boost, AskDickWagner twitter feed and AskDickWagner.com are great places to learn better ways to improve your immediate business world from disasters.
- DisasterAWARE (@disasteraware)
More specific to the Pacific area and Hawaii, DisasterAWARE can nevertheless be an important early notification tool for incoming hurricanes and typhoons for those on the West coast of America. The Twitter feed includes frequent updates on tropical storms, typhoons, and other weather events, along with visual maps of weather movements and systems of concern.
- FEMA (@fema)
A Twitter stream that provides emergency response information, including current FEMA activities, information on how to respond to
emergencies sualtch as floods, locations and information on potential shelters, and more. FEMA’s Twitter feed even offers response to any questions that users may have about what to do in certain disasters, or how you can help in the event that you are concerned.
- NOAA (@NOAA)
A detailed stream on incoming weather events and disasters as they unfold, also featuring rich visual information on current storm trajectories and information on potential sources of damage, such as high winds and potential flooding. NOAA’s Twitter stream has general information on weather events and detection as well.
- National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic and NHC_Pacific)
For the early detection of hurricanes, with two channels for each ocean respectively. Provides information on public warning advisories and tropical storm updates. A third stream, @NHC_Surge, also provides real time reports an updates about storm surge forecasts.
- National Weather Service (@NWS)
A weather response and news stream, but also featuring unique streams that are specific to cities and regions, including weather updates for stage colleges.
- QuakeBot (@earthquakesSF and @earthquakesLA)
Specific to the California area, QuakeBot is an automated notification of any incoming seismic activity registering over 5.0 for San Francisco and Los Angeles specifically. Extremely useful for anyone who lives in the state of California.
- CDC Emergency (@CDCemergency)
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response: increasing the nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. In times of crisis, this account helps share critical information with Twitter Alerts.
- Homeland Security (@DHSgov)
Follow for the latest from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Tweets from Secretary Jeh Johnson are signed -JCJ. In times of crisis, this account helps share critical information with Twitter Alerts.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (@CustomsBorder)
The unified border agency charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders.
- TSA (@TSA)
TSA was created in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen the security of transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce.
- United states Coast Guard (USCG)
Official USCG Twitter account. This is NOT an emergency communication channel. If you are in distress, use VHF Ch. 16 or dial 911.
- Secret Service (@SecretService)
The Secret Service is mandated by Congress to carry out a dual mission of protection and criminal investigations
- The CREST Network (@theCRESTnetwork)
A national group of Disaster Recovery contractors specializing is helping commercial businesses and organizations recovery when a disaster strikes the facility. Follow their feed to learn what is happening on a national level.
Also, remember to subscribe to your local news networks’ Twitter feeds for more geographically specific alerts and warnings. Most Local City, County and State governments also have Twitter feeds. Author: Dick Wagner
