Information Tech Tools used in Crisis Communication

 

I’d like to discuss three information technology tools that are used for crisis communication.

1.       Twitter – https://twitter.com/

Twitter is a public microblogging site that has, in recent years, been used in crisis communications to help responders get aid to those that need it. In the following article, https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1504/IJWBC.2011.041206,

Twitter use during the crisis of three different hurricanes is discussed as well as the nuances of using such a communication tool. Each Tweet that a user sends out is public and timely, and that very nature of the tool, paired with its ease of use allows Twitter to become an information sharing site.

Here is a recent example of how Twitter is being used during a disaster.


 

2.       SWIFTK-12: https://swiftreach.com/solutions/swiftk12/

SWIFTK12 is an application that integrates directly with PowerSchool for communications. As the Communications Coordinator for a local elementary school district, I have used SWIFTK12 to send out messages to families and staff regarding emergencies as well as other important information. Some of the highlights of the system is that it allows for automatic translation to a parent’s home language so there is no need to translate messages prior to sending out. This cuts into the time it takes to get an emergency message out to the school community which is a huge advantage for this type of tool. The system has the capability to text, call, and email messages and each of those messages can be customized individually. Being that the system directly integrates with PowerSchool, the contact information is synced daily. If a parent or staff member changes their contact information at the school level, the system automatically updates.

 

screen capture of SwiftK12
Screen capture of SwiftK12 home screen, taken by author

3.       Ushahidi: https://www.ushahidi.com/covid

Ushahidi is a software company that focuses on opensource software to aid in crisis management. In its early stages, Ushahidi was a website used to collect information during the post-election violence that exploded in Kenya in 2008. In the past 10 years, Ushahidi has grown to a company that provided software to aid in crisis communication and management. Below is an example of an interactive map created with Ushahidi software and data collected in Hawaii that was used to connect medical needs and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many more examples of their recent work can be found here: https://www.ushahidi.com/covid


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