Social media is more and more becoming an indispensable channel in emergency management communications, as EMS and emergency management personnel are using various channels to reach their communities before, during and after disasters. First responders are also turning to social media to gather valuable insight from citizens on the ground via eyewitness video, photos and postings.

"Making Social Media Work for First Responders" is a panel discussion-style webinar on the new and important role of social media in emergency management. CSU faculty members, Keith Padgett, fire science program director; Jeannie Riner, lead faculty, emergency medical services administration; and Misti Kill, assistant provost and dean, College of Safety & Emergency Services discuss the following topics for first responders looking to boost their careers:

• Best practices for using social media channels to help emergency response departments gather and deliver information before, during and after a disaster.
• The current use and effects of social media by emergency response departments.
• The increase in social media use by emergency response departments and methodologies to become acclimated to this trend.

This webinar has been approved for 0.1 CEUs and one contact hour for CSU students.* To learn more about CSU’s public safety degree programs, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Degree.

*These programs are not eligible for Federal Student Aid, military tuition assistance, VA funding or Learning Partner discounts.