Using Social Media During Treacherous Weather
During the recent snow and ice storms, the Durham County Sheriff's Office used social media to publicize its services to check in on elderly residents. Here is a Facebook post from Feb. 18: We're expecting highs in the teens on Thursday and Durham won't see temperatures above freezing until Saturday, so we're concerned about our vulnerable neighbors. The Sheriff's Office would like to check on elderly citizens, but we need to hear from you! Please contact our Communications Center at 919-560-0900 if you're aware of someone that we should look in on, particularly as temperatures drop. Please help us get the word out and share this post! The Sheriff's Office put out the word and Facebook followers responded. The post generated 174 shares and 165 likes. This proactive use of social media continues the department's embrace of social media to better connect with residents. “The responsibility of public service from the Sheriff’s Office extends well beyond law enforcement,” Durham County Sheriff Mike Andrews said. "We are committed to the safety of Durham’s residents and I hope that we can all take opportunities to look after our neighbors, particularly the most vulnerable among us, during inclement weather, power outages, and other events that threaten our well-being.”
