Recently, Twitter announced a new ‘Alerts’ program that allows local, national, and international agencies like emergency management officials, law enforcement, public safety agencies and organizations that provide emergency relief such as the Red Cross to alert Twitter users in the event of a crisis or disaster.

When an alert is sent out, users that subscribe to the organization’s alerts will receive a text or push notification. Alerts will also show up in the “timeline” of users who follow the Twitter account. Twitter alerts can be retweeted, saved as favourites, and replied to so you can share them with your followers as well.  While not intended to replace primary emergency notification systems, the service will enable quick and easy dissemination of time sensitive information during an emergency.

In the event of an emergency a Twitter alert could help spread important information about how to prepare for the emergency or where to seek shelter or help. You can read more about it here.

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