Aug 02, 2018
Communications during disasters is paramount, especially when there is the potential for the loss of human life. The need for communications and the way we communicate, along with what we communicate, has changed with the advent of social media and drones. We speak with social media expert, researcher and author of Social Media, Crisis Communications, and Emergency Management: Leveraging Web 2.0 Technologies Dr. Connie M White. Dr. White will talk about how Social Media assists first responders and emergency personnel, as well as how it gives a voice to those that didn't have one before - especially when that voice can help during disasters. Dr. White will also talk to us about a new communication tool that is helping the realm of Emergency Management; the use of drones. A leading researcher in decision support systems during disasters, we'll learn how drone are assisting and changing the face of traditional emergency response and management.
Preparing for the Unexpected is about how people, organizations and communities plan, prepare, test, communicate and respond to sudden unplanned events such as natural and manmade disasters and crises. The show is for everyone who wants an understanding of how plans are created for individuals, organizations and communities and for anyone who wants to know what they can do in their own lives to help protect themselves from unexpected events. There is a myth that disasters happen to others but in reality, they happen to everyone. It's just a matter of when and how well-prepared you are. The greater the level of awareness, communication and knowledge, the quicker one bounces back from adversity. The overall aim of Preparing for the Unexpected is to reduce the suffering, effects and impacts caused as a result of disasters and unexpected life events by increasing knowledge and awareness of Operational Resilience, Business Contingency, Disaster Planning, Crisis Management, and related activities.