Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/327054
21 Summer 2014 | Connections May 2014 Lunch & Learn Social Media Links Cell phone apps are especially vital, because the apps are set up to send alerts or push notifications based on a person's specific location. It is also important to take all alerts seriously, and respond accordingly. Although time was given to post-crisis information and Mississippi's current recovery statistics, most of the session was devoted to the importance of developing and implementing a disaster plan for your association and your members and their respective businesses. MS Municipal League Executive Director (and MSAE President) Shari Veazey reflected, "This program is a sobering reminder that each of us are responsible to our memberships to prepare our organizations and members by establishing readiness plans and communication plans in the wake of any disaster, that will allow us to respond efficiently as needed." Another important issue pointed out during the luncheon is the communication immediately following a disastrous event. Again, cell phones, emails, emergency radios and social media are important tools in receiving information post-disaster. All panelists agreed that TEXTING is the most reliable way to communicate with your staff and members following a crisis, as phone lines are often over-burdened and electricity may be unavailable. Via a free app, both Red Cross and MEMA provide vital information including available transportation, shelter location, food and water delivery locations, and how to seek assistance from emergency professionals and volunteers. The effort is to provide any available information that communities need to know to get back on their feet with minimal confusion. Greg Flynn, Public Information Officer, MEMA, stated, "Our app is a one-stop shop to warnings, road closures, shelter locations, Red Cross and more." He also announced that MEMA's facebook page has been particularly popular and useful. He proudly announced it has the second highest number of followers in the US among all Emergency Management Agencies! To offer a lighter conclusion to the vital storm and disaster preparedness information, luncheon sponsor Innsfree Hotels had representatives from properties in Orange Beach, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Pascagoula were available to share hotel amenities and to awards eight 2-night stay packages as door prizes. American Red Cross - Mississippi http://www.redcross.org/mississippi https://www.facebook.com/mscapitalriver @RedCrossMiss MississippiRedCross MS Emergency Management Agency http://www.msema.org/ https://www.facebook.com/msemaorg @MSEMA MSEMAorg1