How to Responsibly Use Social Media in Emergencies
Do not utilize social media., If you can, silence your phone. , Let friends and family know you are safe, through texting or the phone as criminals may use social media to watch you and your actions. , If you want, take photos, if it can be done...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Do not utilize social media.
Find a safe place and dial 911 or your country's emergency number. -
Step 2: If you can
,, However, do not post them to social media yet.
They can compromise your safety. , Until the situation is resolved, there is danger.
At this point, you are endangering others beside yourself. , Maybe, tell them that a situation is evolving and that they should be aware of it, so as to avoid it. , You could alert the individuals being sought as to the police locations and actions and they could use that information to escape and come after you again.
You can put yourself and first responders in danger. , A photograph is not worth your life. , If you know something as fact, and feel the need to talk about it, that's fine, but guessing may spread false rumors.
With social media, lies and untruths seem to spread faster than the truth. , At this point, your images and information can help solve a crime.
Still, view them closely before posting, and make sure that you aren't endangering anyone. -
Step 3: silence your phone.
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Step 4: Let friends and family know you are safe
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Step 5: through texting or the phone as criminals may use social media to watch you and your actions.
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Step 6: If you want
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Step 7: take photos
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Step 8: if it can be done safely.
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Step 9: When police arrive
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Step 10: and you are safe
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Step 11: continue to hold off on updating the world.
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Step 12: If it can be done safely
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Step 13: use social media to alert others to danger.
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Step 14: If you take photos of the incident while it is occurring
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Step 15: do NOT post them as you may cause a lot of danger.
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Step 16: Don't take risks just to get a shot.
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Step 17: Don't speculate on what is occurring.
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Step 18: Share the events after the incident is over.
Detailed Guide
Find a safe place and dial 911 or your country's emergency number.
,, However, do not post them to social media yet.
They can compromise your safety. , Until the situation is resolved, there is danger.
At this point, you are endangering others beside yourself. , Maybe, tell them that a situation is evolving and that they should be aware of it, so as to avoid it. , You could alert the individuals being sought as to the police locations and actions and they could use that information to escape and come after you again.
You can put yourself and first responders in danger. , A photograph is not worth your life. , If you know something as fact, and feel the need to talk about it, that's fine, but guessing may spread false rumors.
With social media, lies and untruths seem to spread faster than the truth. , At this point, your images and information can help solve a crime.
Still, view them closely before posting, and make sure that you aren't endangering anyone.
About the Author
Catherine Kennedy
Specializes in breaking down complex DIY projects topics into simple steps.
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