preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and response and recovery activities. Our exercises and activities have included scanning multiple social media outlets for dubious content and participating in these sites for real-time interaction with the public. Community Preparedness Then Direct emergency communication. When a disaster hits, a press conference disseminates information which is then released to the community by the media. Now Community members are usually the first to know about a disaster event, quickly disseminating information– sharing first hand with their social media networks. Social Media Then Only uniformed officials who have access to radio operators learn about disaster events supported by amateur radio operators. Now Smartphones and social media Then Intransient populations allow for consistent emergency management buy-in and ownership of the emergency management program. Now Transient populations live in different hazard zones, making it difficult to release warnings. improve society’s ability to be part of the communications grid. FEMA News photo Social media is now becoming more integrated into the emergency communications system. As a self-correcting media tool, if an individual relays incorrect information, someone else will quickly correct it. If communication networks are active following a disaster event, individuals can quickly relay to their family members and friends that they are indeed safe. 2011 Dimensions® | Spring-Summer | 12