Capitol Shooting: Twitter Alert System Goes Live
As news of a shooting near the Capitol shooting spread on Twitter, a new alert system was tested for the first time.
The new system allows certain accounts to send urgent texts to users phones if they have signed up for the alerts. The service started on September 24.
Twitter has become the go-to site for breaking news and updates on important happenings around the world in recent years.
When there are emergencies, such as Thursday’s shooting/car chase near the Capitol building in Washington D.C., Twitter is a useful tool and was officially put to good use.
The Senate Sergeant at Arms used certain accounts, which are allowed to send important information to those in danger, with instructions or other updates.
On Thursday, the @SenateSAA was used to tell people first, to hunker down and stay in place and later to lift the order.
Twitter has become an important tool during emergencies, it has been used to call for help in instances, or to receive or get information about events taking place in real time.
Due to the nature of the site, it is ideal during events such as this.
Users only need to use 140 characters to convey the message needed to keep the community safe as was evident on Thursday.
The dramatic tweets sent out by the Senate Sergeant at Arms can be seen below,
USCP investigating reports of gunshots on Capitol Hill. If in a #Senate office, shelter in place. If not go to nearest office. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) October 3, 2013
#USCapitol shelter-in-place remains. Close & lock doors. Move to innermost part of office & stay away from external doors, windows. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) October 3, 2013
#USCapitol Shelter in Place has been lifted. You may exit shelter locations & resume normal activities. Thanks for your cooperation. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) October 3, 2013
Earlier gunshots fired incident appears to be isolated event. No current threat to #Senate community. USCP, SAA continue to monitor. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) October 3, 2013
Seems like the handling of the Capitol shooting on Twitter was spot on, hopefully it brought some comfort to those caught in the mayhem.
