KM for First Responders - The need for a National Alert System

During a time of crisis, (such as natural disasters, pandemics, acts of terrorism) relevant information and knowledge is not received by the individuals or groups of individuals that need it the most. For instance many times First Responders are not able to respond quickly and effectively without the right information and knowledge during a crisis event. The lack of timely and accurate information increases the level of confusion, resulting in their ineffectiveness that may cause loss of life. Our current emergency broadcast systems are ineffective, see National Public Radio September 30, 2009 "GAO Faults FEMA on Nationwide Alert System (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113345772).

This ineffectiveness is due to the lack of timely, accurate and meaningful information being delivered to the correct recipients during emergencies. This also prevents first responders, key government leadership and the public from preparing for imminent danger, compromises the ability to make informed decisions and enact the proper emergency preparedness operations.

Knowledge Management (KM) applied to the preparedness, response and recovery mission of First Responders will enable the first responder organizations to arrive at the scene in a timelier manner, be equipped with the right knowledge of the situation and have the right tools and technology to execute their job, resulting in saving lives. In many urban areas of the country, when a first responder team is dispatched they often do not arrive in a timely manner, are not fully aware of the situation and are not fully equipped to handle the situation. Applying KM to disaster preparedness, response and recovery will save lives not only in the communities' first responders serve but also within the first responder teams themselves resulting in a safer, fully knowledgeable team responding to a crisis event.

With the current crisis event happening in Hawaii, and the recent events in Haiti having an Intelligent National Alert System is critical! Let me know your thoughts, I look forward to your comments.

Developing a Social Media Strategy

Over the past few weeks I have been working on a social media strategy. One of the challenges I have faced is determining what will work or make sense for the organization (university) I'm developing/executing this strategy for. The use of social media is being debated in the military and at fortune 500 companies. The use of social media I believe will drive potential customers to your business (or student to the university in my case) as well as become an essential vehicle in informing your consumers about what is going on at your place of business. This recent article "Fortune 500 Companies Using Social Media to reach Customers" http://www.chicagobusiness.com/cgi-bin/article.pl?article_id=32875 and the recent DoD decision http://www.defense.gov/NEWS/DTM%2009-026.pdf is supportive of the need for ALL organizations to consider developing/executing a social media strategy.

Developing a social media strategy really starts with understanding how the organization intends to leverage social media (awareness, gain customers, push out news and events, announce new products, etc) and what benefits will you gain by having a social media strategy. For the university I have looked at this from the standpoint of awareness of university educational programs, promote what makes us difference and the benefits of becoming a student at the university.

I would like to hear from those who have developed and executed social media strategies. What exactly has worked for you? Am I on the correct path to social media success! Share your thoughts with me. Yes... I am also on twitter: http://twitter.com/bigtonyrhem