Community Corner

Be Facebook Savvy When Zombies Attack San Mateo County

Okay maybe not zombies, but earthquakes are always an imminent threat in Northern California.

Written by Jacob Bourne

The majority of us use social media. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other communicative site, the platform has become part of American life. So why not use it for more than pokes, likes and retweets?

The San Mateo County Health System is making a big social media push to make sure county residents are informed before and during health-related disasters.

With the Health System Facebook and Twitter pages, locals can "access up-to-the minute information, guidance, resources, and social services support before, during and after a crisis," the agency said last week.

Hurricane Sandy on the east coast last year showed how helpful social media can be in times of extreme peril.

“Providing the public with consistent, accurate and timely information during a crisis greatly alleviates public anxiety,” said Dr. Scott Morrow, health officer for San Mateo County. “The public is already using social media during a crisis, so leveraging these tools when disaster strikes can serve as a powerful and effective means to protect lives, the environment, and surrounding communities.”

In Northern California, we're just waiting for the big earthquake to strike. The Health System is helping locals prevent disaster when (not if) the earthquake hits by asking everyone to take anEarthquake Preparedness Pledge which includes making a plan, assembling a disaster kit and more. 

To Like the Health System Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/SMCHealth and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SMCHealth.


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