Use Twitter to let family know you're ok in disaster

Voice calls won't get through and crash networks: Twitter message more likely to get through & lets those who MUST use voice. Another "21st-century disaster tip you WON'T hear from officials." (PS: I did this in 2007, before Twitter became mainstream, so pardon dismissive comments about it being used primarily by young people: IMHO, it's best tool for daily communication in 9/08)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Hurricane
• Custav
• disaster
• terrorist
• attack
• ice
• storm
• hurricane
• tornado
• emergencies
• Twitter
• cellphone
• earthquake
• tsunami

[WDavidStephenson]

Sorry: you need to look at Twitter again. This "rubbish" site is now used by the President-elect of the United States, major news organizations, and a lot of very mature, focused adults. You're screwing yourself if you let rash judgments get in the way of sound preparations.

[sthrnynk]

Another problem would be the elderly. I have tried and tried to teach my parents how to check voice mail and texts. I even wrote the instructions down. They still can't do either.

[WDavidStephenson]

That's definitely a valid issue: what things like Twitter can do is meet needs of some people, allowing 1st responders to concentrate on those, such as elderly, disabled, who aren't reached otherwise.

[you2tooyou2too]

Of course it MIGHT not work in a disaster. No part of a disaster plan can be guaranteed. During a disaster, you will use the parts of your plan that will work at that moment. That is why you MUST practice your plan, so you and your family stay familiar with your current resources.

[WDavidStephenson]

Exactly! I refer to all of these options: Twitter, Flickr, Qik, etc. as parts of the "mix" -- you try all of them, not knowing in advance which will still be operative.

[torontocanuck82]

This is retarted. If there's a disaster, then there's a disaster. Big deal.

[WDavidStephenson]

What the heck are you saying? Don't communicate in a disaster? That's "retarted"

[TheChrisFleury]

Thanks for posting!

[michaelguk]

if u cant use a phone how would u get a network to twitter????????

[pugmastaflex]

Good idea. I just can't stand the idea of using a webapp that just reeks of vanity. It's like myspace and facebook on steroids.

[JAXON9211994]

legit

[99camarosupersport]

I think the consensus of those who hate Twitter is, who cares what you're doing? If you care; call, visit!

Because it's become a pop culture phenomenon does that make it good or useful? I personally don't think so. I will never be on there myself. To those who will that's their call, best of luck! :)

[rexharrisonline]

Hi David, this is an amazing video... production is great... wow. One of the best YouTube videos I've seen yet. Very cool!

[mystykit]

I have a question about the number of characters you mention. Are you stating a minimum or a maximum?

I sure hope if a disaster happens something will work. The greatest fear is that NONE of the systems will work, say as in worst possible scenario. Something with EMF effects that would harm the networks?

But for all other, great ideas here. Thanks for the tips and I just subscribed. Looking forward to more.

[rudyiking]

The internet can be seen as more of a tool on your utility belt, rather then your only safety line.

As a Radio Amateur, we are taught that sometimes when there is an emergency sometimes we can't count on normal modes of communicating including but not limited to text messaging. While using Twitter isn't a bad idea, people also need to realize that they may need a different means of communicating besides their cellphone.