Social media use is exploding – and so is its promise as a tool to help public safety keep the public apprised and aware in emergency situations, according to Sonny Saghera, fire captain and public information officer for Heartland Fire and Rescue, which serves the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove, Calif.

Today, firefighters and paramedics rely on smart phones and mobile data terminals to do their jobs in emergencies and in day-to-day operations.  Many are also looking at new ways to use social media through mobile devices to “get the right message to the right people at the right time,” Saghera in this video.  

“Social media in the last seven to eight years has taken off tremendously,” Saghera explains. In addition to using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts, live feed from an incident is another way first responders can keep citizens informed – as early as possible -- about any emergency preparedness steps they need to take. Click the video below to hear from Saghera.