FEMA adds Facebook to aid flood disaster relief

May 12– The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announced Tuesday an online hub for collaborative information-sharing through Facebook for the response and recovery to severe weather and flooding in Tennessee.

The webpage, www.facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo hosts an online community where those affected by the disaster and those active in the response can share information.

FEMA and TEMA, as well as their federal, state, and local and voluntary agency partners are posting recovery tips and updates, including shelter locations and details on how to access disaster assistance. FEMA and TEMA will also upload videos and photos from the affected area.

"Facebook allows us to reach disaster survivors with information to help guide them through the recovery process while providing a platform for everyone in the community to share important information as we work together to rebuild," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

Participants in the online community are invited to share stories, tips and links that may help those affected by the disaster. They can also seek information on assistance in their area.

The Courier also recently started a Facebook page to provide readers a more interactive experience and breaking news updates.

As of this morning, nearly 2,000 people are taking advantage of the newspaper’s new, free Facebook service.

To join, just click on the link at the bottom of this page.