The University of San Francisco’s Masters in Public Administration (USFMPA) department developed an excellent infographic entitled, “Social Media – The New Face of Disaster Response.” The graphic shows how social media and networks have become a primary source of news and information during a disaster. The information is based on twenty years of research, from 1980 to 2010.

Some of the information details how companies used social media. For example:

• 76 percent of users contacted their friends to make sure they were safe.
• 18 percent of users retrieved emergency information through Facebook.
• 35 percent of users directly posted a request for help on a responder’s Facebook page.

Another interesting note, 80 percent of Americans expect emergency response agencies to monitor and respond to social media platforms.

Is your business located in an area that has been prone to disasters? If so, you should take a look at this infographic and evaluate your business’ use of social media. And, if you don’t have an active Facebook page or Twitter account, you may want to consider setting one up and putting a strategy in place. You will want to map out how you will get information out to your customers, employees, family and friends if a disaster occurs.