Social Networking Helping People after Natural Disasters

If ever there was a time to social network it is now. We are living in a new era where smart phones rule the world. They are a big part of our everyday lives and a majority of people are using them for social networking. Out of 500 million plus Facebook users and 100 million plus users on Twitter, 80% of the users are using their mobile devices to keep in touch with the world.

What is Social Networking?

Social Networking is aligning individuals into particular groups, kind of like a “click” in schools or colleges. Most people use social networking online more often via Facebook, Twitter, Linkdn, or even Youtube.

Ways to keep in touch if you are in need of help:

Facebook and Twitter are two ways that you can keep in touch with anyone at any time. If you can’t make a phone call or text for help, using the internet or 3g/4g service on your cell phone will support your time of need. These social networking sites are being used when natural disasters happen and groups or individuals are using these sites to let their families and friends know that they are okay or if they do need help. Sometimes your calls may drop or your texts may not be able to make it through, but using a social networking site via the internet or service provider on your smart phone can be a third line of communication if other options fail.

How do I use social networking to my advantage during a disaster?

Use social networking to your advantage in your time of need. If you are in desperate times due to a natural disaster, there are organizations out there that can help. One organization in particular that can assist is Humanity Road. This is a nonprofit organization that specializes in using social networking and the internet to aid in natural disasters before, during, and after.

During a natural disaster, Humanity Road will assist by collecting and confirming vital reports of people in need and alert the proper first responders and aid agencies to facilitate. They will also inform you of upcoming inclement weather to keep you posted. Another way they will help is to notify the public of the proper places where they can seek shelter or aid during or after the natural disaster. Humanity Road prides its company in knowing that there are all walks of life that are assisting each other over the internet all around the world. They are always looking for more and more volunteers to lend a hand to the people that have experienced these situations and a great way of doing so is from home by communicating through the internet before, during, and after a natural disaster. The more volunteers that join, the easier groups experiencing devastation will receive aid and help. They do not only help humans, but animals too.

Remember that natural disasters can happen at any time and any place. If you are in trouble due to a natural disaster and cannot make a call, maybe the internet lines will work and you can use your social networking sites or apps to keep in touch with friends and family before, during, and even after the disaster. Stay calm and just know that people are willing to help.

UPDATE: Before, During and After Hurricane Sandy

Humanity Road was capturing the weather every step of the way. They used the social networking sites to help people prepare for Hurricane Sandy prior to landfall. During the storm Humanity Road broadcasted out to the ones in need and still prepared others as the hurricane kept coming inland. After Hurricane Sandy passed through, a rented RV drove up from Virginia to New York/New Jersey with a handful of individuals to set up internet connections to help rejoin lost families and friends from their loved ones. They also helped by providing necessity items to individuals such as running water and a toilet.