The benefits of disseminating critical notifications across social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter can be a vital tool during emergency situations, especially in education settings.
According to recent research conducted by the University at Buffalo School of Management, social media can help keep students safer during emergencies and potentially dangerous situations.
“Research suggests that students are more likely to comply with emergency notifications received through social networking channels,” lead author Wencui Han, a PhD student in the School of Management, said. “Social media also allows two-way communication. Campus officials can respond to concerns and provide more detailed instructions, and users can add and share content, helping information spread more rapidly.”
The study also pointed out that social media has its limitations, from the posting of misleading information to students who may not subscribe to certain platforms and therefore don’t receive emergency notifications. It was recommended that universities continue to deploy traditional methods and use social media to provide supplemental information, effectively creating a layered security solution.
Blue Alert® MNS from Code Blue can help accomplish this incident management balancing act. The advanced software solution allows responders to deliver multi-layered emergency notifications via a wide range of platforms, including email, text message (SMS), emergency phones, public address speakers, social media, desktop alerts and more, quickly informing and directing people in emergency situations.
To learn more about how Blue Alert MNS can provide an efficient way to detect and respond for school, hospital, corporate and municipal locations looking for a comprehensive and cost-effective solution, click here.