In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

From the HerNashville.com website is an article, “Geeking out for a cause: Nashville flood response takes to the web,” which nicely describes how local residents have helped galvanize the city’s relief efforts using technology:

I’m just in awe of the way Nashville is responding in the face of this surreal, overwhelming crisis. And the way Nashville’s geek community pulled together to create DonateNashville.org, a collaborative effort among a group of local web developers, is no exception.

Driven by Nashville Predators geek Patten Fuqua’s powerful post that started the We Are Nashville movement, these guys and gals have created a site to match folks in need with folks ready and able to give. DonateNashville allows users may click on “I Need” or “I Have” to get started. You may also follow them on Twitter.

And speaking of geek sites, I’m completely giddy by the way Nashvillians are using social media platforms to communicate, connect and share information in such a meaningful way. If you doubted “the Twitter” had any practical use, just give #nashvilleflood and #wearenashville a search.

On Facebook, Metro Water has done a fantastic job keeping folks up-to-date on water conservation needs; the Nashville Downtown Partnership’s page has been a constant source of business opening/closing announcements, volunteer needs and the like.

The creators of Twitter and Facebook never sought out to create a real-time volunteer seeking service for crisis communications, but that’s exactly what they’ve done–because you’ve chosen to use them that way.

Technology is a beautiful thing.

Thanks to the American Red Cross’ Gloria Huang for bringing this article to my attention.