An infographic from Hurricane Sandy, but equally relevant in the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornado yesterday.
By Zoe Fox from Mashable.com:
Nearly one million people are affected by natural disasters each year. In the U.S. alone, some 400 people die from disasters that cost the economy $17.6 billion. Helping respond to these cataclysmic events, social media is now a go-to tool for those effected by disasters.
One in five Americans has used an emergency app. Of those Americans effected by natural disasters, 76% used social media to contact friends and family; 37% of used social media to help find shelter and supplies; and 24% used social media to let loved ones know they’re safe.
SEE ALSO: 13 Gadgets to Prepare You for a Natural Disaster
This infographic, created by our friends at USF’s Online MPA, details how social media has revolutionized communications during natural disasters.
At the bottom of the infographic, you’ll find a FEMA tweet sent during Hurrcane Sandy, which exemplifies why social media is becoming the best way to spread information during dangerous events: Phone lines can get congested, so updating social networks can be the ideal way to let loved ones know you’re okay.
Homepage image courtesy of iStockphoto, Krakozawr
