Fort Hood Tragedy – Socmed Really Shines
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As the events unfolded on November 5, 2009 on Fort Hood, Texas I was very impressed by how news outlets and “regular” people used social media channels to spread information, good wishes and offer assistance. It was quite a thing of beauty to watch how everyone I follow banded together.
The local news outlets broke the story on Twitter within minutes of the start of the events. @NewsChannel25 and @KWTX were quick to get reports out. Others picked up on the story soon after. Within 2 hours, The Austin American-Statesman set up @FtHoodShootings on Twitter which offered updates from the Statesman as well as other sources.
Scott & White Hospital in Temple also started issuing statements via @SWHealthcare shortly after the beginning of events. Scott & White is the only Level 1 trauma center between Waco and Austin, so it made sense that some of the victims would be brought there. Not only did they keep the public informed of the status of the hospital (such as the temporary closing of the Emergency Department to the public), but they also put out appeals for blood donations and let people know who to contact to offer assistance. It was interesting to note that “Scott & White” trended in Twitter for a time.
Although a terrible tragedy, I was proud of how it was handled in in the social media world. Good information was disseminated quickly and efficiently via multiple sources. Well done, everyone!
photo credit: The U.S. Army
