Crisis Management With The Help Of Social Media

Hurricane Sandy left New York and New Jersey and its inhabitants stranded the last month, as many have been left without electricity, hot water and their homes taken away from them as a result of this horrific storm. It has been some rough weeks for the east coast and although the city is starting to slowly get back on its feet, there is plenty that still needs to be done.

The reason for this post is to show how social media assisted in providing information in a time of crisis, as only a few had power and Internet access.

Whole Foods Market, kept their customers up to date with the status of their stores, informing their customers of hours of operation, which stores have been closed down, and which ones are operating but with restriction on their Facebook page. This provided great customers service for those that were reached.

MTA utilized their Facebook page to inform travelers on what bus services and subway lines were closed down, when they would be re-opened and which ones were running with restriction. They also provide a map of the city that detailed how temporary transit would operate throughout various boroughs.

 

As help was reaching all districts in need of aid, various organizations provided updates through social media on high demand supplies needed to be donated, such as cleaning supplies, winter clothes, canned goods and boots, As supplies were being delivered, the list of necessities would decrease as maximum capacity was reached.

Others used social media in the form of email marketing to relay information to their subscribers about cancelled events and classes, or just wishing their customers a speedy recovery. Granted not everyone had the accessibility to receive this information, but surely it was related to them.

Finally, A Thank You to all volunteers, mayor's office, national guard, salvation army, nonprofit organizations, food trucks and others that provided a helping hand or a hot meal to the residents in a time of need.