In Case of Emergency, Use Twitter?

Micro-blogging escapes me, I admit it. Blogging, yes, of course. Social networking? Do it. But, micro-blogging on places like Twitter always seemed to granular to be taken seriously as a nonprofit communication device. It falls somewhere between blogging and an SMS or chat. Do you really care what people are doing right this instant (I'm building a report in Excel! I'm going to lunch with a client!)

However, Beth's Blog posted a YouTube video called "Use Twitter in Emergencies." The video is part of a series called "21st Century Disaster Tips You Won't Hear from Officials" and comes from David Stephenson of Stephenson Strategies, a homeland security firm. Stephenson has a whole YouTube channel called Homeland Security 2.0. The synth intro music and graphics aside, he provides some excellent tips using wikis, flash drives, and Twitter to distribute emergency contact information.

Can nonprofits use micro-blogging in a disaster? Absolutely. Nonprofits should use their website, blogs, social networking groups, anything to get the message to constituents and donors. Every channel is an opportunity for success.

And just when I thought Twitter was hopeless. I'm going to go post this on Twitter.