I started advocating for LMT to initiate social media about 2 years ago. A month ago they launched their Facebook and Twitter. Props to Commissioner Conrad for spearheading it despite sometimes snarky support from some of the other commissioners.

Sandy showed us exactly why it’s critical local gov’t uses every tool available to get information out to the public.

During the height of the storm LMT, Alburtis and Allentown Social media were humming with updates and information. And it was a two way street. Residents posted questions, concerns and updates throughout the storm. Lower Macungie Patch’s facebook gained nearly 150 “likes” during the height of the storm. It was clear, residents were turning to the internet for information.

And it was very effective. Residents in the Borough of Macungie however were left in the dark. Despite staff drawing up a social media policy some on council are skeptical. I hope this shows beyond doubt how critical it is to use this powerful tool.

Here are many of the local links that residents turned to for information during the storm.

Local Gov’t Social Media
Alburtis PD
Alburtis Borough
Lower Macungie Township
Commissioner Ryan Conrad (LMT)
Allentown Mayor
City of Allentown

Local organizations
Lower Macungie Library
Friends for Protection of Lower Macungie Township (East Penn Smart Growth resident organization)

Local Media
Morning Call
Lower Macungie Patch 
Emmaus Patch Facebook