http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/22/tech/mobile/mobile-emergency-tip-sheet/index.html
This story is what I LOVE about technology. How we can create uses for our devices that will give us the ability to communicate clearer, with the least possible interference, at the most important times. We all have cell phones, but knowing how best to use them during or just after a natural disaster (texting is better than calling) is of utmost importance.
The FCC was smart to put out general guidelines that will help direct us on how we should communicate during a catastrophe, including keeping a charged cell phone battery, posting your "status" on Facebook, and subscribing to alert services from state government to stay updated. It feels wierd to post a status update on Facebook saying you've been buried under rubble inside your house and you need immediate help-but if it gets the message to those than can help you then so be it.
As for working to create Next Generation 911 Call Centers able to receive and prioritize text messages, I can see this transforming how we communicate during emergencies. Although, in the infant stages you will need to text a full message rather than abbreviated symbols, hashtags, etc., it is a great leap forward and something that is exciting to see.
--CG
This article was very interesting! You always read about event when people panic and call their loved ones blocking the phone lines, so using your cell phone seems like a great solution. At first when I read the posting your "status" on Facebook I thought that was weird too but it makes sense it is a smart way to get your information across a site that is heavily populated. The only down side I see with cell phones is the service, like calls being dropped or text messages not being sent. I agree this will be exciting to see how this will develop and become the norm for emergencies.
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