A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog about severe weather safety, including tips on what to do in case of a tornado. My colleagues also wrote a blog about using wireless internet through smartphones to access social media sites in order to alert loved ones that you’re safe.

The American Red Cross (ARC) is an organization that proactively uses social media to help communities prepare and recover from disasters. In order to better engage with the public during emergencies, the ARC launched a new Digital Operations Center—powered by Dell—allowing them to use social media to:

• Gather information from affected areas during emergencies
• Find trends in what the public needs
• Connect people with resources like food, water, shelter, and emotional support

According to their website, the ARC created a Digital Volunteer Program to staff the Center during major disasters. Trained volunteers respond online to questions from the public, as well as distribute critical information and provide comfort and reassurance during emergencies. Information gathered through the Center is available at all times, allowing for constant engagement with the public.

After Tuesday’s outbreak of tornadoes in Texas, the ARC is operating shelters, serving meals, and distributing supplies to those in need. Although no official correlation has been made between their response and the Digital Operations Center, I believe the Center is having a tremendous effect on their recovery operations.