With September being National Preparedness Month, the Social Media Club of Lawrence visited the Douglas County Emergency Operations Center Sept. 19 to learn about how the Douglas County Emergency Management agency communicates during a major event, emergency or accident.

Jillian Rodrique, DCEM Assistant Director (pictured) and Bob Newton, DCEM Duty Officer and Public Information Officer gave the group a rundown of how they communicate, and how social media plays a role in their communications.

One important takeaway was from Rodrique, who said that many people on social media can help during events by giving the what and where when talking about events. For example, many in Kansas like to use the hashtag #ksstorms, but going a step further and telling what (example: tornado) and where (example: near 59 highway between Lawrence and Ottawa) aids in their efforts.

Just some food for thought: next time you’re getting the word out, a little more description can help out everyone even more!

Douglas County Emergency Management

• On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgcoem
• On twitter: https://www.twitter.com/dgcoem