Web 2.0 Facebook and MySpace? The Solution For Trouble?

Have you considered using Facebook or MySpace during an emergency?

Why would you? You probably have the impression that those websites are just for youth to socialize and there is no benefit to government or businesses?

Think again.

During the next major emergency, have someone search the name of the disaster and see how quickly a group is created and how many people will discuss the incident.

While you might say it is not the official information and is inaccurate.

Would you not want to know that? After all, members of the press are monitoring those websites, as well as members of the public. Shouldn't you?

Two ways of looking at everything

Earlier, we featured a story about emergency related websites in Canada and some of the challenges we face as residents, business travelers, and tourists.

It is a good thing we do not have this problem in the United States. Or do we?

Recently, we received an email from a student who was looking to volunteer with a local police explorer program. She reached out to us through the contact form on this website, which allows our readers to send a message through Facebook. When we asked her why she reached out to us, she said she did a Google search.

So maybe the Ontario recommendation might not be that far off.

Something to think about.