Class
Article
Department
Computer Science
Faculty Mentor
Amanda Lee Hughes
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Using the 2014 Carlton Complex wildfires as a case study, we explore how emergency responders and the news media shared official information online during this crisis event. We first identified the local emergency response and news media agencies for this event and then collected data from each agency’s Facebook account, Twitter account, and website. The data show that most of the online information about this event came from the local agencies handling the event. The data also show that in most cases, event updates were first reported online by the local news media of the affected cities and communities. We conclude with suggestions for how these agencies might better communicate with the public online and a trajectory of future work.
Start Date
4-14-2016 9:00 AM
End Date
4-14-2016 10:15 AM
Included in
Online Dissemination of Official Information - the 2014 Carlton Complex Wildfires
Using the 2014 Carlton Complex wildfires as a case study, we explore how emergency responders and the news media shared official information online during this crisis event. We first identified the local emergency response and news media agencies for this event and then collected data from each agency’s Facebook account, Twitter account, and website. The data show that most of the online information about this event came from the local agencies handling the event. The data also show that in most cases, event updates were first reported online by the local news media of the affected cities and communities. We conclude with suggestions for how these agencies might better communicate with the public online and a trajectory of future work.