*Red Cross Tech Talk looks at different technology or social media tools that pertain to the work we do at the Red Cross. Have an idea? Please let us know!
Our friends at the American Red Cross made a big announcement today that many of us disaster geeks are eager to learn more about. They are partnering with Dell to launch their Digital Operations Center, a type of social media hub that will allow them to gather real-time information when disasters occur in order to be better able to help people on the ground.
Traditionally, in disaster management, we send out teams to assess the situation and the needs of those affected before we deploy appropriate resources. It makes sense to make an informed decision. But now when a disaster strikes like the tornado outbreak in the US last week, people tweet, share photos and videos as it’s happening. It becomes possible to gather information virtually by crowdsourcing, monitoring, curating and then verifying.
This new Digital Operations Center will allow the Red Cross to spot trends and even help connect people to the resources they need during disasters, all through social media.
Another interesting new initiative connected to the Digital Operations Center is the introduction of digital volunteers. These trained Red Cross volunteers will be able to not only listen to the conversations going on in social media, but also help people access the services they need in their community.
Here’s a cool overview of how technology has impacted the work of the Red Cross since 1881.
You can also check out this short video that shows how social media is being used in emergencies and why this new centre can help.
We’d love to hear what you think of this new initiative.