Tag Archives: facebook

Is THIS on your Frankenstorm emergency checklist?

Posted on by
6

 

Bottled Water? Check.

Food? Check.

Batteries? Check.

First aid kit? Check.

Facebook and Twitter… wait… what?

 

 

Last year the Northeastern US was surprised by a Halloween blizzard, and this year we have a festive little hurricane dubbed “Frankenstorm” on the way to pay us a visit.  As with any type of severe weather, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. (For a complete emercency list, click HERE.) But how often do you see “Social Media” on this emergency preparedness list?

If this storm is as bad as currently predicted, there is a significant chance of power outages. (Remember last year when some areas were without electricity for over a week?) The aftermath of fallen trees may not only affect power lines, but also phone and internet service as well. If nothing else in your home is working, your mobile device may be your saving grace! After all, we’ve seen the power of social media shine through in Hurricane Irene, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

SO – If you have a smartphone, iPad, or other mobile device, remember to harness the power of social media to keep you connected. You may not have enough battery life to call all of your family and friends, but you can post periodic updates on your safety to Facebook or Twitter to share with everyone in one easy post. (Note: If you don’t have one, you may want to pick up a car charging kit for your mobile device for an alternative way to recharge that battery!)

In addition to posting your own updates, you may want to follow these accounts prior to and during the storm:

 

 

 

NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER

Facebook / Twitter

 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Facebook / Twitter

 

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

Facebook / Twitter

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Facebook / Twitter

 

Use these as a starter to your “Social Media Hurricane Kit”, and keep looking for others. For example, does your city have a Facebook page or Twitter account? How about your power company or other utilities? Take some time and check today so getting these updates during the storm will be as easy as seeing multiple pics of your friend’s baby and/or their lunch online.

So… if you are in the path of Frankenstorm, what are YOU doing to prepare? Feel free to share your emergency preparedness tips in the comments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Spirit Day!

Posted on by
18

I know that on Fridays, most of our thoughts are on the upcoming weekend. But today I’d like to bring your attention to a very serious topic… bullying.

Today is Spirit Day. So if you’re wondering why everyone on Facebook has made their profile pic purple and you keep seeing #spiritday on Twitter, now you know. But what IS Spirit Day?

Spirit Day is an annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.

All of us likely experienced some form of bullying when we were younger. But many years ago that bullying often ended when you got off of the bus and arrived at home. Today, that is no longer the case.

While social media is a wonderful way to easily keep in touch with friends and family, it never “shuts off”. That kid who called a child names on the bus might now post those names online publicly, where others may see and join in on the harassment.

So what can you do to help?

If you are a parent who thinks your child is being bullied online, I can understand that you may not feel comfortable enough with social media to know exactly where to start. Don’t worry. Facebook and Twitter have some excellent resources for you! Check them out below:

FACEBOOK: BULLYING

TWITTER: SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

 

If you see someone being bullied, SAY SOMETHING! We’ve all been there. It hurts. So if you witness bullying online or in person, speak up. You might just save a life.

 

If you are being bullied, I urge you to stay strong. If you are not already familiar with the privacy settings on social media sites, take some time and get to know them. Additionally, Facebook has some great Q&A that might just be of assistance HERE.

But most importantly, surround yourself with a caring and positive group of friends and family. Speak to them openly about what you are experiencing, how it makes you feel, and what you can do to make it better.

If you don’t feel like you have someone to talk to, The Trevor Project is always there.  From the Trevor Space community to the Ask Trevor Q&A, to Trevor Chat, or the Trevor Lifeline, they understand what you’re going through and offer outstanding support.

 

So whether you are being bullied, or you know or see someone who is, I encourage you to take some time today to stand up and do something about it. It’s important to know that you are NOT alone, and like they say, IT GETS BETTER!

 

I leave you with one of my favorite quotes.

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one”s definition of your life; define yourself.”

-Harvey Fierstein

 

So do you feel ready to take a stand against bullying? Good!

Leave a comment and share what YOU will do today to make a difference!

Have a great Spirit Day, everyone!