How consumers use social media in emergencies [INFOGRAPHIC]

Here’s a great snapshot from the American Red Cross of how our US cousins turn to online and social media in an emergency.

In light of recent catastrophes such as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and last year’s Ash Cloud it’s interesting to see how many people are actually relying on online news sources and social networking sites for information – reliable or not.

• online news is the 3rd most popular resource for emergency information after TV and radio
• almost a fifth already use Facebook for emergency information
• one in five post about their own experience of an emergency

Almost a quarter would use social media to inform friends and family they were safe but more interesting is the one-in-five who would turn to online sources if unable to get in touch with an emergency response service.

And, 80% expect emergency responders to be monitoring social media sites – which means most companies should now be tuned into the major social networks.

The findings have repercussions for a business travel community which is grappling with how best to advise on the use of social media as a reliable source of information for travellers.

They have wider implications for companies in general and how they can incorporate social media tools into an emergency response strategy.

The numbers were drawn from a telephone poll of more than 1,000 respondents and an internet survey of more than 1,000 respondents carried out by the American Red Cross in June.

NB: Infographic from MSNBC

Related posts:

1. Consumers failing to let go of social media even when on holiday
2. User journey after social media shows brands struggle over media sites
3. Behold the anti-social social media strategy in travel