Presentation at the 2014 Disaster Preparedness Academy. We’ve all witnessed the power and immediacy of social media in emergency response and influencing world events. It is imperative that organizations have a social media strategy in place for emergencies. This workshop will discuss why social media is viewed as a critical element in crisis response using real-world examples such as Superstorm Sandy and the Boston Marathon. Participants will learn about common social platforms, and how they can be incorporated into disaster planning. Tools, resources and techniques will be shared that will help organizations build an online presence now that will play a vital role when the next disaster occurs.